Tiffany Candle Holder Questions

[jacksonsvl19l]

Hello Everyone. I have a few questions about this piece I recently purchased.

I'm having difficulty with the hallmark because it says "Quality"; and in my research I have found it said that this is associated only with International Expositions pieces. So, would this be one of those pieces.
My next question is about the tiny hole on the bottom, which goes straight through. Is it supposed to be there, or was it added later on.
I'm also wondering about the date of the piece.
As always, I do appreciate any assistance. Thank You.

[dragonflywink]

Hi - not sure which "International Expositions" you are referring to, but the 'Quality' standard mark is fairly common on circa 1860s Tiffany pieces produced by the Moore shop - your lovely, but rather modest chamberstick would seem an odd choice to present at an exposition. The pattern number on your piece (1127) indicates first production between 1860 and 1865, and the oval Old English 'M' mark was out of use by 1870, so it can be dated pretty firmly to the 1860s. There's often a small indentation that was a centering point for manufacture, but your small hole does appear to have been drilled or punched after the piece was marked - no idea why, wouldn't serve any purpose as a 'push-up' for the candle since there is a separate candle-cup.

If you're planning to collect Tiffany, a good basic reference would be Carpenter's 'Tiffany Silver', if interested in other than holloware, Dr. Hood's 'Tiffany Silver Flatware, 1845-1905' is quite good...

Tiffany Marks

~Cheryl

[jacksonsvl19l]

Thank You very much. I do appreciate your time and knowledge.