Mystery Candlestick Mark

[Penelope_Weaver]

I have tried to research this mark myself to no avail. Does anyone here have an idea who the maker is?
Thank you very much in advance.
Penelope

Here are the candlesticks:



Here is the mark on the bottom of both of them:

[dragonflywink]

Hi Penelope, welcome to the forums - nice job on posting your pics. The candlesticks were manufactured by La Pierre Mfg. of Newark, NJ - an alternate mark shown here: American Marks - L

~Cheryl

[Penelope_Weaver]

Hi Cheryl,
It was pretty scary trying to get the photos uploaded properly so I could ask you experts!
I found the La Pierre mark myself weeks ago, but it does not match exactly. Are you sure they are the makers? And if so, where might I find a list of all the marks they used?
Thanks,
Penelope

[dragonflywink]

La Pierre used the conjoined 'FL' (Frank H. La Pierre) trademark from around the turn of the century, like almost all American silver marks, it appears with several variations; its use was continued after their acquisition by International Silver. Sorry, have no idea where you might find a complete list of their marks, but am posting an excerpt from an early 1900s trade publication, a 1920s mirror with the trademark in circle, and two more variants of the version present on your candlesticks.

~Cheryl

[Penelope_Weaver]

Thank you so much, Cheryl. We are thrilled that you have identified the mark–and that it is not from an obscure company!

These candlesticks are a family heirloom–and we're very eager to determine who initially purchased them. In order to do this, we'd love to narrow down possible years of manufacture.

You say that this mark was used even after La Pierre was purchased by International Silver in 1929. Do you have any idea for how long? I found a description of the International Silver Company online which states it was, "an amalgamation of independent silverware manufacturers, formed in 1898. Many of these manufacturers were the result of previous consolidations and mergers. The member companies kept their identities and continued to mark silverware with their own touch marks. In addition an International Silver mark was used on products sold by the parent company."

Was La Pierre sold to International Silver in 1929, or did it just join some sort of consortium? Would this effect how its marks were used (and for how long)?

Also, do you happen to know what the number "1390" indicates at the bottom of both candlesticks?

Thank you ever so much.

Penelope

[dragonflywink]

International was initially formed as a syndicate of silverplate manufacturers, when the parent corporation acquired (bought) the companies, they were no longer corporations in their own right - they were essentially divisions. Most of the companies continued production under their names for at least a time, sometimes remaining in their factory, but many were moved and consolidated into other factories. International owned the trademarks, designs, etc., and some of the same patterns in flatware, as well as other pieces, will show up bearing different trademarks. It seems a common misconception that the companies ceased to exist, or that their marks went out of use once becoming part of International, resulting in a large number of pieces being incorrectly described as dating decades earlier than their actual age.

International used the La Pierre 'FL' trademark at least into the '60s, and possibly later. La Pierre made a variety of nice pieces in the late 19th-early 20th century, most that I've seen with your mark appeared to date to the 1910s-20s (the '1390' is a production code, a style or catalog number). At the time they acquired La Pierre, International had seventeen factories, three in Wallingford, La Pierre was most likely manufactured out of one of those existing factories. The items produced after they became part of International seemed to be fairly limited lines of dresser items and holloware; the '50s-'60s+ production pretty much consisted of mid-quality small gift/tableware items like candlesticks, compotes, candy dishes, salt & pepper shakers, sugar & creamer sets, cigarette urns & ashtrays, etc., the majority gadrooned, and marked 'La Pierre' along with the 'FL', the based pieces marked as 'Weighted Reinforced'.

~Cheryl

[dognose]

La Pierre Manufacturing Company - NJ and NY - 1904

Trev.