Lace and Silk - Vintage French Quarter Finds

Fabulous vintage textiles uncovered from a grand French Quarter estate on Royal Street. 



Romantic Lace Boudoir Pillow Sham

Antique Silk and Lace Wedding Handkerchief:

Vintage William Spratling Conquistador Sterling Candlestick Holders - made in Mexico with a New Orleans Twist

Sometimes, you come across something really special.  Such was the case with these little gems...

I was drawn to these candlestick holders because of their shape and inherent New Orleans scrolly style.  But they were covered in years of heavy black tarnish and it was hard to see their potential beauty under all that.   But I took a chance and loved them anyway.  I worked hard to polish them up and look what was under there!

Spratling Conquistador Scroll Base Candlestick Holders - eBay

My goodness - these things are gorgeous!  Look at the detail and their elegance.  Then take a look at the bottom... and you will see these significant markings:

As it turns out, these are Spratling/ Conquistador pieces - circa 1950ish - a time when Conquistador (a then major silver manufacturer in Mexico City) produced a few William Spratling designs.

These beauties have a very unique and detailed scroll design –reminiscent of New Orleans’ iconic iron scroll work found all over the city. Not surprising, as William Spratling himself lived in New Orleans for a brief period of time in the early 1920s, taught architecture courses at Tulane University, and shared a house with William Faulkner. Perhaps the city inspired this scroll work candle stick design?

And this particular set of candle holders is extra special as it comes from New Orleans too! So - I'm thinking the design potentially went from conception in New Orleans, to production in Mexico, and then back home to a life in a New Orleans home??  How very special! :)

See more details and pricing on this eBay listing.