24-239. A Hand-Wrought Iron Double Candle Holder

Price: $595

Sold by Phillips and Durkin Antiques

24-239. A double candle holder made of hand-wrought iron. It consists of a candle socket and a spring-loaded candle holder. These spring-loaded holding devices are sometimes, I believe mistakenly, referred to rush holders. However, their vertical design and rounded holder shape are not consistent with the angled positioning of rush lights. Candles burn best in a vertical plane, rush lights at a 45-degree angle, and splints in a horizontal plane. This example has a finger hook, and the device is mounted on a heart shaper base which sits on 3 shaped legs. It measures approximately 9.75” x 6” x 6.5”. It was found in PA and dates from the early to mid-19th century. [Provenance: Collection of Francis & Marybeth Mastropaolo, Macungi, PA].