24-228. Early Hand-Wrought Iron, Candle Holder

Price: $625

Sold by Phillips and Durkin Antiques

24-228. Early hand-wrought iron, candle holder with spring loaded jaws. These are mounted in a turned hardwood, ebony base. These spring-loaded holding devices are sometimes, I believe mistakenly, referred to rush holders. However, their vertical design and rounded holder 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 is all original, and in very good condition. The jaws retain good, but appropriately diminished, springiness. Measuring approximately 9.35” x 2.75” diameter. ca. 17th century. [Provenance: Collection of Dr. Melvyn & Betty Wolf, Flint Michigan].