Candelabrum

Object Name:

Candelabrum

Object ID:

1922.009.02.2

Creator:

Durgin, William B. Company

Place of Origin:

Concord, NH

Date:

1908

Description:

Candelabrum, one of a pair. Silver, silk, and small quantities of other materials. The three-branched candelabrum fits into a slot on side of plateau (1922.009.02.1). The candelabrum includes a sterling silver 3-branched unit (A), three silver bobeches (B-D), three metal electric candles (E-G), three silver shade supports (H-J), and three silver and silk shades (K-M). The three branches of the candelabrum are reeded and curved stylized versions of a Corinthian Greek column. Each branch expands to a dish which is etched with reeding. Above each dish is a bowl-shaped projection, which holds the bobeche. Each bowl also contains an electrical socket for holding electric candles. Bowl has acanthus leaves at the bottom. Bottom of each branch is scroll-shaped. Wrapped electrical wires at the bottom of the unit. Engraved number "2" at the back of the unit. Each bobeche is a disk with a downward projecting tube. Disk edge is decorated with a reeded band with laurel leaves. Bottom of each bobeche has a number stamped on it. Electric candles are metal tubes which are painted white, with a silver cap and silver base ring, a black composition collar beneath the base ring, a threaded socket at the top, and a threaded base at the bottom; electrical contacts, connected to white porcelain, are visible at top end. Shade supports consist of two silver rings attached together with two flat rods; the top ring supports the shade, and the bottom ring fits over the lightbulb. Silver shades are conical shape, and have scroll, floral, and swag piercings throughout; each shade has a yellow silk liner, with yellow silk fringe. One shade retains its riveted mica sheeting support, which is missing from the others. Each silk shade is stamped on interior bottom rim with three hallmarks: right-facing lion within an octagon mark; anchor within a square mark, and upper case black letter "G" within a square with cut off corners (for Gorham Manufacturing Company). Stamped next to the hallmarks is the word "STERLING" in upper-case sans-serif letters. Also stamped on the rim "A1668."
OBJECT REGISTER:
A. Candelabrum: 1229g, 43.35oz, 39.51troy; Height: 9.562"; Width: 8.5"; Depth: 13"
B. Bobeche: 68g, 2.4oz, 2.19 troy; Height: 1.25"; Diameter: 3.125"; "9" stamped on bottom.
C. Bobeche: 71g, 2.5oz, 2.28 troy; Height: 1.25"; Diameter: 3.125"; "7" stamped on bottom.
D. Bobeche: 73g, 2.57oz, 2.35 troy; Height: 1.25"; Diameter: 3.125"; "12" stamped on bottom.
E. Electric Candle: 203g, 7.16oz; Height: 7.375"; Diameter: 1".
F. Electric Candle: 202g, 7.13oz; Height: 7.375"; Diameter: 1.125".
G. Electric Candle: 204g, 7.2oz; Height: 7.375"; Diameter: 1.125".
H. Shade Support: 35g, 1.23oz, 1.13 troy; Height: 4.5"; Diameter: 2.25".
I. Shade Support: 34g, 1.2oz, 1.09 troy; Height: 4.5"; Diameter: 2.125" - 2.25".
J. Shade Support: 35g, 1.23oz, 1.13 troy; Height: 4.5"; Diameter: 2.25".
K. Silver and Silk Shade, with Mica Support: 122g. 4.30oz. (silk too fragile for other measurements)
Measures for silver only: 101g, 3.52oz, 3.25 troy; 4"; Diameter: 6.75"
L. Silver and Silk Shade: 107g, 3.77oz (silk too fragile for other measurements)
Measures for silver only: 99g, 3.49oz, 3.18 troy; Height: 4"; Diameter: 6.625"
M. Silver and Silk Shade: 104g. 3.67oz (silk too fragile for other measurements)
Measures for silver only: 96g, 3.39oz, 3.09 troy; Height: 4"; Diameter: 6.75"

Material:

Metal
Silver
Silk
Porcelain
Glass

Provenance:

The U.S.S. New Hampshire was built by the New York Shipbuilding Company and commissioned on March 19, 1908. There were 41 officers and 809 men on board. In 1907 the state legislature appropriated $6,000 for the design and manufacture of a silver service. The William B. Durgin Company of Concord, NH made the service and it was presented to the U.S.S. New Hampshire by Gov. Charles M. Floyd on August 8, 1908 at Portsmouth. The silver service consists of 72 pieces.

The U.S.S. New Hampshire was decommissioned in 1921 as a result of the Washington Naval Treaty and sold for scrap in November 1923.

Credit Line:

On Loan from the United States Navy Department

People:

Durgin, William B. (1833-1905), Floyd, Charles M. (1861-1923)

Subjects:

U.S.S. New Hampshire, Naval ships, Nationalism