Gunnar Ander for Ystad-Metall: Pair of “Nysilver” candle holders, 1960s

This elegant pair of candle holders was designed by Gunnar Ander and made by Ystad-Metall in Sweden in the 1960s. Each stands on a square base with four ball feet and a twisted rope border. A slender baluster stem rises to a shallow bowl with fine engraved lines. Set into each bowl is a cut crystal sleeve and the candle cup sits at its centre. The polished silver-coloured metal contrasts beautifully with the faceted crystal. Both holders are marked underneath with Gunnar Ander’s designer symbol, the maker’s stamps, including “NS”, and “Made in Sweden”. The pair is in very good condition. The crystal sleeves are perfect. There are only a few small marks on the bases and feet, which is entirely normal for a pair that is around 60 years old. Nysilver is the Swedish term for nickel silver, a hard, silver-coloured alloy of copper, nickel and zinc that contains no solid silver. Ystad-Metall made a range of household objects and candle holders in nysilver, which gave the look of fine silver at a more accessible price. These candle holders are stamped “NS”, the mark for the material. The candle sticks will only be sold as a pair.