26-117 Exceptionally Rare All-Wood Rush Light.

Price: 2,750

Sold by Phillips and Durkin Antiques

26-117. An exceptionally rare vernacular all-wood rushlight holder, attributed to Denbighshire, Wales. The shaped oak base supports a hand-worked pine upright fitted with an oak horizontal arm and a gracefully curved bentwood spring arm, probably willow. The spring terminates in opposing crowned jaws which maintain sufficient pressure to securely grip the rushlight. Particularly desirable is the surviving charring and darkening at the jaws, consistent with prolonged original use. The oak base exhibits expected shrinkage. Rush holders employing an all-wood spring mechanism are notably rare. This example is from Denbighshire, Northern Wales and dates from the late-18th to early-19th century. Made of oak, pine and probably a willow bentwood spring all measuring approximately 16 ½ inches high. It is in very good condition, retaining an old, largely untouched surface with expected wear, shrinkage and minor losses consistent with age and use. Provenance: From the Lighting Collection of the late Michael D. Wallace, Spokane, Washington. A diversified private collection of rushlights, splint holders, and related early lighting devices. History and documents of provenance included.