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Circular Nordic Vintage
Josef Frank Brass Candelabra 6-Arm - Svenskt Tenn Sweden 1940s-50s
Josef Frank Brass Candelabra 6-Arm - Svenskt Tenn Sweden 1940s-50s
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€680,00 EUR
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€680,00 EUR
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A six-arm brass candelabra designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn (Sweden), crafted in the 1940s-50s. This sculptural piece exemplifies Frank's organic design philosophy, with flowing, asymmetrical branches that seem to grow naturally from a central stem, creating a dynamic yet balanced composition.
Forged from solid brass with hand-worked finish, each arm curves and spirals with individual character, supporting candle cups at varying heights. This is an original mid-century production piece, not a contemporary reissue.
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About the Designer: Josef Frank
Josef Frank (1885–1967) is one of the most influential figures in 20th-century design, celebrated for his humanistic, colorful approach to interiors. Born in Austria, he emigrated to Sweden in 1933 and began his legendary collaboration with Svenskt Tenn, transforming it into an international symbol of Swedish design excellence.
Frank's work is characterized by organic forms and an embrace of eclecticism. He believed homes should be comfortable and personal—a radical stance in an era dominated by austere functionalism. In his metalwork, Frank favored flowing, asymmetrical forms that evoke natural growth, creating objects that are both functional and sculptural.
His designs are held in major museum collections worldwide, including MoMA (New York), the Nationalmuseum (Stockholm), and the MAK (Vienna). Today, he is recognized as one of the great design humanists of the 20th century.
About the Brand: Svenskt Tenn
Founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson in Stockholm, Svenskt Tenn began as a workshop producing pewter objects. The defining moment came in 1933 when Ericson invited Josef Frank to join as chief designer, transforming the company into one of Sweden's most important design houses.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s—when this candelabra was created—Svenskt Tenn was at the height of its influence. The firm's showroom became a destination for design enthusiasts worldwide, helping define what became known internationally as "Swedish Modern."
During this era, Svenskt Tenn did not systematically mark all metal objects, so many authentic pieces carry no visible stamp. This absence of marking, combined with artisanal production characteristics, actually helps authenticate pieces from this golden period.
This Josef Frank candelabra for Svenskt Tenn is more than a functional object—it is a sculptural statement and a connection to one of the 20th century's most visionary designers. When lit, the six flames dance at different heights, creating a living composition of light and shadow. The organic form brings movement and life to any space, while the natural patina and artisanal details tell the story of decades in Swedish homes. This is a piece that connects you to the golden age of Swedish Modern design, to Josef Frank's humanistic vision, and to the enduring legacy of Svenskt Tenn. An investment in beauty, history, and timeless design that will bring warmth and character to your home for generations to come.
Josef Frank (1885–1967) is one of the most influential figures in 20th-century design, celebrated for his humanistic, colorful approach to interiors. Born in Austria, he emigrated to Sweden in 1933 and began his legendary collaboration with Svenskt Tenn, transforming it into an international symbol of Swedish design excellence.
Frank's work is characterized by organic forms and an embrace of eclecticism. He believed homes should be comfortable and personal—a radical stance in an era dominated by austere functionalism. In his metalwork, Frank favored flowing, asymmetrical forms that evoke natural growth, creating objects that are both functional and sculptural.
His designs are held in major museum collections worldwide, including MoMA (New York), the Nationalmuseum (Stockholm), and the MAK (Vienna). Today, he is recognized as one of the great design humanists of the 20th century.
About the Brand: Svenskt Tenn
Founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson in Stockholm, Svenskt Tenn began as a workshop producing pewter objects. The defining moment came in 1933 when Ericson invited Josef Frank to join as chief designer, transforming the company into one of Sweden's most important design houses.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s—when this candelabra was created—Svenskt Tenn was at the height of its influence. The firm's showroom became a destination for design enthusiasts worldwide, helping define what became known internationally as "Swedish Modern."
During this era, Svenskt Tenn did not systematically mark all metal objects, so many authentic pieces carry no visible stamp. This absence of marking, combined with artisanal production characteristics, actually helps authenticate pieces from this golden period.
This Josef Frank candelabra for Svenskt Tenn is more than a functional object—it is a sculptural statement and a connection to one of the 20th century's most visionary designers. When lit, the six flames dance at different heights, creating a living composition of light and shadow. The organic form brings movement and life to any space, while the natural patina and artisanal details tell the story of decades in Swedish homes. This is a piece that connects you to the golden age of Swedish Modern design, to Josef Frank's humanistic vision, and to the enduring legacy of Svenskt Tenn. An investment in beauty, history, and timeless design that will bring warmth and character to your home for generations to come.
Details
What's Included
1 six-arm brass candelabra by Josef Frank
Designed for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
Original vintage piece from the 1940s-50s
Holds 6 candles
Measurements
Approximate height: 20-25 cm (7.9-9.8")
Approximate width: 30-35 cm (11.8-13.8")
Candle cup diameter: fits candles slightly smaller than standard taper candles
Solid brass construction
Please note: Due to the organic, hand-forged nature of this piece, exact measurements vary.
1 six-arm brass candelabra by Josef Frank
Designed for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
Original vintage piece from the 1940s-50s
Holds 6 candles
Measurements
Approximate height: 20-25 cm (7.9-9.8")
Approximate width: 30-35 cm (11.8-13.8")
Candle cup diameter: fits candles slightly smaller than standard taper candles
Solid brass construction
Please note: Due to the organic, hand-forged nature of this piece, exact measurements vary.
Condition
As with all vintage pieces, this item shows signs of previous use and age. These are marks of authenticity, not flaws, and add to its unique character.
Good vintage condition appropriate for a piece of this age and historical significance. The brass shows natural patina developed over 70-80 years, with warm golden tones and darker areas that reflect its authentic journey through time. Inside the candle cups, green verdigris (natural copper oxidation) is visible—this is a desirable characteristic that confirms the piece's age and authenticity, highly valued by collectors.
Surface shows honest wear from decades of use, including minor scratches, small marks, and variations in the patina that tell this piece's story. These are not flaws but rather evidence of the candelabra's life in Swedish homes over generations. Structurally sound and stable. All six arms are intact and secure. No cracks, breaks, or structural damage. This is a piece that has been used and loved, carrying the warmth and character that only time can create.
Authenticating Original 1940s-50s Production
This candelabra exhibits all hallmarks of authentic mid-century Svenskt Tenn production, distinguishing it from contemporary reissues:
The brass alloy has the warmer, deeper tone characteristic of 1940s-50s production, with irregular patina and micro-variations in color that reveal artisanal manufacturing. The tubes show slight irregularities in curves—evidence of manual bending—creating organic spontaneity. The candle cups have subtle variations, each made individually. Visible but clean soldering is typical of Swedish mid-century craftsmanship. The slightly heavier weight reflects the brass alloy and thicker tubing of the era.
These characteristics confirm this candelabra belongs to the historical period when Josef Frank was actively defining the warm modernism that made Svenskt Tenn legendary.
Good vintage condition appropriate for a piece of this age and historical significance. The brass shows natural patina developed over 70-80 years, with warm golden tones and darker areas that reflect its authentic journey through time. Inside the candle cups, green verdigris (natural copper oxidation) is visible—this is a desirable characteristic that confirms the piece's age and authenticity, highly valued by collectors.
Surface shows honest wear from decades of use, including minor scratches, small marks, and variations in the patina that tell this piece's story. These are not flaws but rather evidence of the candelabra's life in Swedish homes over generations. Structurally sound and stable. All six arms are intact and secure. No cracks, breaks, or structural damage. This is a piece that has been used and loved, carrying the warmth and character that only time can create.
Authenticating Original 1940s-50s Production
This candelabra exhibits all hallmarks of authentic mid-century Svenskt Tenn production, distinguishing it from contemporary reissues:
The brass alloy has the warmer, deeper tone characteristic of 1940s-50s production, with irregular patina and micro-variations in color that reveal artisanal manufacturing. The tubes show slight irregularities in curves—evidence of manual bending—creating organic spontaneity. The candle cups have subtle variations, each made individually. Visible but clean soldering is typical of Swedish mid-century craftsmanship. The slightly heavier weight reflects the brass alloy and thicker tubing of the era.
These characteristics confirm this candelabra belongs to the historical period when Josef Frank was actively defining the warm modernism that made Svenskt Tenn legendary.
Care
To preserve this candelabra's authentic character, dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. The natural patina and verdigris are part of the piece's value and should not be polished or removed. Remove wax drips carefully while warm, or gently scrape when cool. Handle with care due to the sculptural, asymmetrical form, and display away from excessive moisture to maintain the brass's beautiful aging.