{"product_id":"berndorf-metalware-factory-chamber-candlestick-with-bear-mark-circa-1860-1880","title":"Berndorf Metalware Factory Chamber Candlestick with Bear Mark (circa 1860-1880)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a \u003cstrong\u003eBerndorf Metalware Factory chamber candlestick\u003c\/strong\u003e from around 1860-1880, and it's got serious pedigree. That \u003cstrong\u003ebear mark with BMF AS\u003c\/strong\u003e? That's the hallmark of one of Austria's most prestigious metalware manufacturers. This isn't just any chamber candlestick - this is Austrian craftsmanship from the golden age of decorative metalwork, and it's still ready to light your way to bed 160 years later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Berndorf story:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBerndorf Metalware Factory (BMF) was founded by \u003cstrong\u003eAlexander Schöller\u003c\/strong\u003e in Berndorf, Austria, and became legendary for their high-quality nickel silver and alpaca work. The \u003cstrong\u003ebear mark\u003c\/strong\u003e is their signature - a symbol of strength and quality that collectors actively hunt for. When you see that bear, you know you're getting top-tier Austrian metalwork from the 1800s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe clever modular design:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's something cool - the candle holder section actually \u003cstrong\u003elifts out\u003c\/strong\u003e of the drip tray base. This wasn't a defect, it was a feature! This modular design was typical of high-quality chamber candlesticks from the 1860s-1880s. You could remove the candle holder for cleaning, use it separately, or even swap it onto a different base. Cheaper versions were made in one piece - this removable system was a mark of quality craftsmanship. It's also a great dating indicator - later chamber candlesticks (1900+) were usually made as single units.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's special about this piece:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat flowing Baroque revival design with the shell motif on the drip tray? Pure 1860s elegance. The fluted candle holder, the sculptural curves, the finger ring handle - every detail shows the level of craftsmanship Berndorf was famous for. Yes, there are some wear spots in the drip tray from 160+ years of use, but that's part of the story. This candlestick has been lighting bedrooms since before electricity was a thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes this special:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBerndorf bear mark\u003c\/strong\u003e - BMF AS (Berndorf Metalware Factory, Alexander Schöller)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModular design\u003c\/strong\u003e - candle holder lifts out, typical of premium 1860s-1880s pieces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAustrian nickel silver\u003c\/strong\u003e - high-quality alpaca construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBaroque revival design\u003c\/strong\u003e - flowing curves and shell motifs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFluted candle holder\u003c\/strong\u003e - decorative ribbed column\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShell motif drip tray\u003c\/strong\u003e - sculptural base with organic details\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinger ring handle\u003c\/strong\u003e - classic chamber candlestick feature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCirca 1860-1880\u003c\/strong\u003e - early Berndorf production, very collectible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe specs:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 x 7 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 171 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nickel silver\/alpaca\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Berndorf Metalware Factory (BMF), Alexander Schöller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMark:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bear mark with BMF AS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Berndorf, Austria\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent antique condition with authentic wear spots in drip tray\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the wear:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe drip tray shows some wear-through spots where the plating has thinned over 160 years of use. For collectors, this is actually a plus - it proves authenticity and shows this piece has a real history. It's been used, loved, and survived. That's way more interesting than mint-in-box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy you want this:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause Berndorf pieces with the bear mark are highly collectible, especially early examples from the Alexander Schöller era. This is Austrian metalwork royalty - the kind of piece that serious collectors actively search for. The modular design adds both functionality and historical authenticity. Use it for candles (it still works perfectly), display it as a piece of Austrian design history, or just enjoy owning something made by one of the most respected metalware factories of the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for collectors of Austrian metalware, lovers of Baroque revival design, or anyone who thinks chamber candlesticks should come with serious provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison de L'oro","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53030797771095,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/4388\/5911\/files\/20260218-155929.jpg?v=1773573589","url":"https:\/\/maisondeloro.com\/products\/berndorf-metalware-factory-chamber-candlestick-with-bear-mark-circa-1860-1880","provider":"Maison de L'oro ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}