DESCRIPTION

An obscure design by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. A pair of vintage brass candlesticks listed in the Dorlyn Silversmiths catalog as "Hurricane Console No. 66". The candlesticks are embossed on the bottom with the Tommi Parzinger insignia, the model number and the Dorlyn Silversmiths insignia. The brass candlesticks stand approximately 7 7/16 inches tall, the base is 5 3/4 inches in diameter and the top is 2 11/16 inches in diameter. With the hurricane shades, the candlesticks are 18 1/4 inches tall.

BIOGRAPHY OF DESIGNER

Tommi Anton Parzinger (1903–1981) was a German interior designer; a lighting, accessories and furniture designer and an artist. Born in Munich in 1903, Parzinger was raised in an artistic family, he studied at the Kunstgewebeschule, focusing his art studies on ceramic, glass, metal and wood crafts , as well as painting. Parzinger immigrated to New York City in 1932, his first job in America was as a designer for Rena Rosenthal, designing metalware and crystel to be sold at her trend setting Madison Avenue shop. During his tenure at Rena Rosenthal Parzinger began creating furniture and accessories to accompany his celebrated work in brass and crystal. His interest in these ancillary pieces grew steadily throughout the 1930’s and in 1938 he took a position designing furniture for Charak in Boston. In 1939 he opened Parzinger Originals, designing custom furnishings for clients and commissioned custom interiors. Parzinger's designs were labeled "high-style modernism", which represented a more idiosyncratic, rarefied midcentury design style. His cosmopolitan designs involved costly, craft-intensive materials and processes using brass accents and lacquer. As his business grew, Parzinger continued his work in graphic design, fashioning packaging, fabrics and wallpapers . He also continued to design furniture, lighting, and accessories for other companies, including Reed and Barton, Lightolier, Salterini Hofstatter, and Dorlyn. In the 1940’s Donald Cameron became his partner and expanded the company with locations at 32 East 57th Street, 601 Fifth Avenue, and 441 Madison Avenue. His designs were used by famous clients such as Billy Baldwin, Marilyn Monroe, members of the DuPont family, the Rockefellers and Arthur Miller. His interior commissions included a number of high-style New York and Miami clients. Once a hobby, Parzinger’s focus turned to expressionist painting during the final 15 years of his life, no longer working on designing furnishings or interiors. Tommi Parzinger died in 1981, the company passed to his friend and partner Donald Cameron, and the showroom on 57th Street closed not long thereafter.

CONDITION

The pair of candlesticks are in very good vintage condition. The candlesticks original laquered finish has been removed, both have been polished to a bright shiny finish, laquer was not reapplied, but the brass was left in its natural finish. Without the laquer, the brass will need to be polished or the brass can mellow, whatever is prefered. A laquer could also be reapplied if wanted. The two glass shades have no chips on the top edges, but there is scratching on the sides, some clouding, water marks and three chips. These issues are due to years of use and handling, but they are only noticable under close scrutiny, it was very difficult to photo the issues. There is a split in the side of one candlestick, but it's noticable only under close scrutiny.

SHIPPING

The candlesticks / hurricanes will be shipped via FEDERAL EXPRESS in the US and USPS outside the US, the items will be packed well with bubble wrap and shipped in a sturdy cardboard box, fully insured and the package will have to be signed upon delivery.  Please CONTACT with your ADDRESS and ZIP CODE for SHIPPING CHARGES.  

PLEASE NOTE DESCRIPTION, CONDITION AND PHOTOGRAPHS CAREFULLY, FEEL FREE TO ASK QUESTIONS AND TO REQUEST OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS, RETURNS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.  THIS ITEM IS SOLD "AS IS" AND "AS DESCRIBED".