Candelabra model 3240-88 by Walter Andersson for Ystad-Metall, Sweden, 1950s

This rare and iconic five-light candelabra was designed by Walter Andersson and made by Ystad-Metall in the 1950s. Four gracefully curved arms sweep out from a shallow arched base, each ending in a conical candle cup on a flat disc. A fifth, taller tapered holder rises from the centre. The lines are clean and sculptural, and the construction exudes quality. It is engraved with the date 23 May 1957 and has no other engravings. Underneath, it is stamped 'Ystad-Metall Sweden' and 'Prima Nysilver'. It is featured in the book Ystad-Metall 1919-1969 by Jonas Barros Eriksson. Walter Andersson joined Ystad-Metall in 1946 as an engraver and designer, heading the engraving department and contributing to the company's growth. His designs for the company were limited to four candlesticks and candelabra in nickel silver with clean modernist forms. Besides his work in metal, he was also a cartoonist and illustrator. Ystad-Metall was a renowned Swedish metalworking company, known for its brass, pewter, and nickel silver objects, and employed many leading designers. Nysilver, or nickel silver, is an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc, often plated with real silver. This candelabra is in very good condition, with only minor wear consistent with its age, and is suitable for regular dining candles.