Historical information

Portable candleholders were commonly in use in Australian homes in the 1800s. Candles were very expensive in Australia and often were not available in stores. However, after 1850 the price of candles was reduced and they became readily available throughout Australia. Candleholders were popular as they protected furniture from hot wax. The dish around the candle stem collected the hot wax that could be reused later. When carrying the candleholder, the dish also protected the hand from the hot wax.

Significance

This candle-holder is an example of an item commonly used before electricity was connected to the area.

Physical description

The candleholder is a hollowed round,saucer-shape with a ring finger-grip on the side. It has been enamelled but the original blue paint has worn off and it is very chipped and rusted.