posted 08-10-2009 05:14 AM            

Hi All,

We recently received a pair of (Shabbat) candlesticks from my wife's grandmother on the occasion of our wedding. We believe that they originally belonged to her parents who as far as we are aware were from Russia (or possibly Lithuania/Latvia). we know this piece of silverware had great sentimental value to her possibly because it may have been one of the few items her family brought with them when they fled to South Africa in the early 1900s. Purely out of curiosity we are trying to find out their origin and perhaps a bit of the history behind them.

I am a complete novice on the topic, but have done some internet research to gather info. The hallmark appears to be either from Warsaw or Minsk, although based on the style of the candlesticks they appear to be of Polish origin. The silversmith mark (translated from Cyrillic) says Karlat, although I am aware there were silversmiths from Warsaw by the name of Szkarlat (Shmuel being one of them). Unfortunately there are no other markings. I don't know whether these are actually by Szkarlat or whether there was in fact another silversmith called Karlat?

I have posted some pictures below with the relevant markings which may assist with their identification.

If anyone can shed some light on the silversmith or possibly even how old they are that would be greatly appreciated.

kind regards