This printed tinplate candle holder appears to have been made in Australia from the middle of 1915 and was available for private purchase to Australian troops (including Light Horse) prior to their departure overseas in WWI. The purpose of the tin was to ensure the contents were kept dry and readily available. The lid also aided in shielding the direct flame of the candle.Used by Australian troops in WWIRectangular tin with hinged lid. The lid is illustrated with a coloured image of three Australian soldiers at camp (WWI era) with the words 'Camp Pocket Candlestick - A Soldier's Friend'. The border of the lid is decorated in a daisy pattern. The body of the tin is decorated in a monotone green tartan, with the base displaying a small panel entitled 'Patented 19-7-15 No 16856'. Inside the tin is coloured olive green, with a fitted pressed tin circular candle holder, located over a hole in the base, and a folded tin match holder. A half used white wax candle is contained within.Camp Pocket Candlestick - A Soldiers Friend Patented 19-7-15 No 16856candlestick, soldier's friend, camp pocket, wwi

These little tins were available for soldiers to buy before embarking to the first world war. As the candles and matches are contained within the tin , it would have been a ideal way to keep both dry. The lid of the tin could also have been useful as a windshield. The tin was donated in memory of Les Lawlor. James Leslie Lawlor was born in Mepunga and lived in Warrnambool and enlisted in October 1916. He was discharged as medically unfit as he had broken his wrist three years previously and the break had failed to heal well. The tin was donated in his memory by his sister Vera Maguire This item with its link to World War 1 soldiers has historical significance to Australians in general but is also a link to a local family. It is a complete object still with the candles and matches. Small rectangular tin box with image of three soldiers and tents in the background. Brown and yellow check pattern on sides and bottom. Small round hole in bottom with metal rim inside the tin , in which a candle would be placed. There are two small candles and a rectangular section in which a box of matches in sitting. Hinged lid.On lid," Camp pocket Candlestick. A soldier's friend. On base " Patented 19/7-15 No 16856." On tape on the bottom of tin, " Would like this to go to the historical society in memory of Les Lawlor, Vera Maguire.warrnambool, james leslie lawlor, vera maguire, camp pocket candlestick, world war 1

The camp pocket candle stick tin contained 2 candles a box of matches and could be purchased by Australian troops prior to their departure overseas dry. "Camp pocket candlestick a Soldiers Friend"tins

Uniforms worn by the soldiers in the illustration suggest that the item was used by Australians in World War One. Soldiers had to purchase the item.Rectangular hinged tin with a coloured illustration on the top. Illustration features three soldiers in an outdoor tented campsite. Illustration is bordered in black. Title in black and white lettering includes the text, CAMP POCKET CANDLESTICK./A SOLDIER’S FRIEND. Sides of the tin feature a yellow and green tartan pattern. Base of the tin is silver coloured with traces of the yellow and green tartan pattern. Inside of the tin has compartments for a candle and matches and a holder for a lit candle. Round hole in base is part of the candle holder. Candle and matches missing.personal equipment, candlestick, world war one, troop comforts