Object number
51/478/1-2
Collection
Exhibition
Description
This is an iron candlestick, the height of which is adjustable, with a conical brass snuffer, both attached to a central cylinder topped by a brass handle. Lavinia Smith bought the candlestick and snuffer at a sale in 1924.
Physical description
1 candlestick with snuffer: metal (iron and brass); good condition
Label Text
Candlestick. This candlestick is accompanied by a brass 'snuffer' which is placed atop the candle to extinguish the flame. It was bought by Lavinia Smith for sixpence in 1924. It was not until well into the 20th century that electric lighting replaced candles and oil lamps in most homes. Though candle-making is an ancient craft, its scale was transformed by the industrial revolution. In 1834 Joseph Morgan patented a machine that could make 1500 candles in an hour.
Archival history
MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'Miss Smith purchased this candlestick for sixpence at a sale in 1924. It is iron with a brass handle and snuffer. Miss Smith describes the sale as Richard Stibbs sale. // The base is 6.25 inches in diameter. The upright is 1 foot 1 inch long and .4 by .4 inch in section. It is fitted into a cylinder in the centre of the base. This cylinder is 2.25 inches high and 1 inch in diameter. // A second cylinder of the same size slides up and down the upright to adjust the height of the candle. The candle holder is attached to this cylinder by an S bracket. // The brass snuffer is conical with a slender handle with a ring at the top rising vertically from the point of the cone, the whole being 6 inches long. A right angled arm soldered to the side of the cone fits into a slot on the movable cylinder.', Lavinia Smith No. 490., Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // 490. Candlestick with extinguisher, bought for sixpence at Richard Stib [sic] sale in 1924', Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition Catalogue 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 6 // Candlestick and Snuffer // Lent by The Museum of English Rural Life'
Object name
Material
Technique
Dimensions
- Height 330 mm
- Diameter 160 mm
Associated subject
