Featured Sterling candelabra

I recently pulled these from storage and gave them a polish. Each is 13 inches tall, and spread 9.5 inches. Combined weight is 4.6 lbs (2086 grams). I was surprised to discover that they are not weighted. I determined this by inserting a probe into the hole in the base of one, and found it to be hollow. The arms are solid cast, and not hollow, but the capitals are hollow.

They were made in Mexico, but I don't know when. The mark identifies to Juventino Lopez Reyes (b. 1915) but I can't really date the pieces. The look of the marks seems to put them post-war, maybe 1950's? Is this artist collectable or well-known?

 

His workshop Platería del Recreo in México, D.F. is still in business and run by his descendants. According to its web site (below), business started in 1944 which is your earliest date. Don't know much about Mexican silver marks but, as yours has neither an eagle (used after 1948) or "letter and number" (used after 1980), I'd assume it was early. I welcome others to correct me if this is an incorrect assumption.

https://www.plateriadelrecreo.com/www_en/index.html#!/pageGallery

Debora

 

they are wonderful !

 

and likely the best you can get for them is nearly scrap value

 

I would hold out for more as they are simple and elegant ....

 

They're lovely.

Debora

 

I have no plans to sell for scrap or for any other reason. We've used these for years, and plan to continue using them. I'm hoping to learn more about them and the silversmith that made them.

 

I suggest you contact the family. They may be willing/able to provide more information.

https://www.plateriadelrecreo.com/www_en/index.html#!/pageContact

Debora

 

I reached out to them via the company FaceBook page. They were only able to confirm that they made them. Whoever responded suggested they may have been made in the 1980's. Hell, I've had them longer than that!

 

How frustrating. No one there with institutional memory. They're very handsome whenever. Lucky you to have and enjoy.

Debora

 

From “The little book of Mexican silver”

 

Interestingly, the web site of the taller uses the 1944 date.

Debora

 

I like that Mexican sterling silver is very rarely (maybe never?) weighted. I've collected several pieces by Salvador de la Serna, another mid-century Mexico City maker.
I use these candlesticks, a less-common two-candle design:

 

Salvador de la Serna is also in that Little Book of Mexican Silver. And at any given time there are usually several items of his on eBay. I just checked, and I see a pair of double-candelabra just like mine on there now.