Pair of Austrian silver candlesticks, retailed by J.E. Merriman of Memphis. Hollow, lobed form with flared rim, swelling shaft and domed foot bearing Austrian hallmarks for .813 fineness and date 1864, with additional retailer mark "Merriman" in rectangle stamped inside one stick and "Memphis" in rectangle in the other (attrib. James E. Merriman, working Memphis 1841-47 with Frederick H. Clark; from 1847-1860 and later on his own and in partnership with others). 11-3/4"H, 16.76 oz troy. Note: while Tennessee silver retailers (such as Merriman became in his later career) often sold coin silver from Northern and even English makers in their stores, this appears to be a rare example of a Tennessee retailer making use of marked Continental wares. These objects may attest to the difficulty in obtaining silver during the Civil War in Union-occupied Memphis. Provenance: the collection of John Montague, Memphis, Tenn. CONDITION: Scattered small dents, scratches, and wear; wear to marks.