Description

This is a classic piece of tinware copied from an original in our collection, a common style which was popular from colonial times through the mid 19th century. (it is pictured in plate 221 of Antique Tin and Toleware by Gould – listed as a tinder box candlestick) Friction lid has a candleholder affixed to the center and can stand alone without the base or kept together. The cup style base has a ring handle for carrying the lit candle like a classic candlestick. The 4″ x 1-1/4″ drum is available to carry anything the user wishes from matches, fire starter material, to sewing supplies or personal items, etc. This candlestick is equally appropriate in the field or on the home front and a nice item for the soldier or the ladies. Nice and compact to fit in the pack – lighter than the bun style brass travelling sticks and more versatile. Seen as well in homes – popular for nearly a century. The construction style, identical to the original, is an early type with the flat base (and top) rolled back over the edge of the flared side. (this technique is also seen on coffee pots, cups, etc. commonly dated in the 1850s and before) It creates a raised ridge edge to the outside of the drum which was commonly decorated. A raised concentric ring is pressed into the center of the drum which meets the lid edge and again in the middle of the candleholder. Raised rings on period vessels were also often decorated – but in function were thought to provide added strength and prevent crushing. Exterior is japanned utilizing period methods and the outside is hand decorated with gold leaf on the edges, as was our original. (gold leaf decorations may vary slightly from production run to run) A documented wartime tin maker label is affixed to the base. Such japanned and gold decorated items were common during the period, both in the field and at home, and are very much under represented in Living History circles. Not designed as a particularly heavy or thick coating, of course there may be minor scratching, etc, to the surface from storage and handling universally seen on japanned tinware, now just as 150 years ago.