Towle Pair of 'Contour' Pattern Sterling Silver Candle Holders, Newburyport, MA, c. 1950's

'Contour' is a lovely mid-century modern design of unornamented surface in a bio-morphic form. The flatware in this line was first patented in 1951 and the line of flatware and holloware was designed by Robert J. King (see Modernism in American Silver, p. 197). Along with a coffee set, a pair of candlesticks are also illustrated on page 199. (Both examples are owned by the Dallas Museum of Art. Another coffee service is in the collection of the Yale University Art Gallery.)

These wonderful sterling silver candle holders are marked with Towle's trademark and 'TOWLE/ STERLING/ 330'. They measure 3.5 inches long by 2 inches high, weigh a combined 6.45 troy ounces and are in good antique condition.