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I1204
It is very uncommon to find a great set of four candlesticks. The elegant shapes and designs set a delightful table. Cascading rims of the removable bobeche feature scrolling decorations and wavy edges. Fluid, curved deep lines accentuate the forms of the socles, stems, and bases. Paw feet and scrolling devices ornament the bases.
Engraved on the bulbous sections above the bases is the crest of a griffin head incorporated into an 'HB' monogram and the family motto, "GUADEO" meaning Rejoice.
This combined crest and monogram was used by Harold Brown (1893-1900), a member of Rhode Islands' illustrious Brown family. The Brown family had been patrons of Rhode Island College, but in 1804, Harold's grandfather, Nichols Brown, Jr., donated $5,000, renaming the school Brown University. (1) A prominent industrialist and real estate developer, Harold and his wife Georgette Wetmore Sherman, lived at 382 Fifth Ave in New York City. Their custom-built Newport mansion with an interior by Odgen Codman is on Bellevue Avenue. (See here and here.)
Provenance:
Nicolas Brown,
Sotheby's, November 19, 1980, lot 30,
Collection of Howard and Judy Berkowitz,
Christie's, December 12, 1986, lots 203 and 204,
(The Berkowitzs owned several pieces of Harold Brown's silver)
Private Collection
Underneath, all four sticks are engraved 'HB.' Two are engraved 'Feb 9, 1898' and the other pair 'Aug 16, 1898.' They are all marked 'TIFFANY & Co/12151 MAKERS/ STERLING SILVER/ 925-1000'. The two order numbers are '1322' and "'2610." (One candlestick retains a label from Christie's). They measure just under 10 inches tall, weigh a combined 66.8 troy ounces, and are in excellent antique condition.
Endnote:
