Historical information

A candlestick is a device used to hold a candle in place. Candlesticks have a cup or a spike ("pricket") or both to keep the candle in place. Before the proliferation of electricity, candles were carried between rooms using a chamber stick, a short candlestick with a pan to catch dripping wax. Although electric lighting has phased out candles in much of the world, candlesticks and candelabras are still used in homes as decorative elements or to add atmosphere on special occasions.

Significance

An item used in every home as a lighting aid, from the late 19th to the early 20th century, before electricity was available in homes.

Physical description

Candlestick holder: square, concave metal base with rounded corners, short cylinder in centre with square surround on top opening, and a flat metal ring handle from one corner to base of cylinder. The metal has been coated with white enamel.