Tommi Parzinger Candlesticks














Tommi Parzinger Candlesticks
DESCRIPTION
A pair of striking silver-plated candlesticks designed by Tommi Parzinger for the Heirloom "700" line for Oneida. Oneida bought the rights to Tommi Parzinger's brass designs for Dorlyn Silversmiths in 1955, Oneida produced the designs in silver-plate and called the pieces the "Heirloom "700"" line. The candlesticks date from approximately 1955 to 1965. The candlesticks stand approximately 9 3/8 inches tall, the bowl is 6 5/8 inches in diameter and the base is 4 1/8 inches square. Both candlesticks are marked on the bottom.
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 candlesticks are in very good vintage condition. There are a few minute dark spots on the bowls, moderate fine surface scratches and discolorations from daily use. The candlesticks were well taken care of and have been polished.
SHIPPING
The candlesticks will be shipped via FEDERAL EXPRESS in the US and USPS outside the US, the item 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".