A rare pair of art deco silver candlesticks

Price: £1,000-5,000

A striking and very large pair of  art deco Czech sterling silver candlesticks.  The modernist design perfectly captures “Hollywood” deco futurism, Metropolis style. The candlesticks are assayed with a Czech mark for 1929-41 and so are authentic pieces from the deco era.  The silver stems are hammered, more in the style of the arts and crafts movement which, surprisingly, works well!

The candlesticks carry makers, or retailers, mark OSCH which has not been firmly identified but according to the Museum of Decorative Arts (Prague) “OS” was used by the important (around eight) Czech Applied Art vocational schools, equivalent to the UK’s “School of Arts”. These were held in such esteem the Studio featured them in a large article in 1905. They were famed for their avant garde design work, inspired by the UK and Secession.

The question is therefore what CH stands for. I believe most likely it is for the Chrudim Applied Art School which was most famous for its furniture but also taught other skills like metalwork.

The candlesticks also each carry a small, rare, Israeli import mark from the 1950’s.  Condition is excellent

Maker: OSCH (unidentified)

Designer:  Unknown

Date:  c. 1935

Marks: OSCH, Czech mark, 800.

Material: 800 standard silver

Condition: Excellent

Size: 30 cm tall

Weight: 34.5 oz, 978 grams (not weighted)