Historical information

This item is a chamberstick, a type of portable candle holder commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries for personal lighting. Its compact design with a finger loop allowed it to be carried from room to room, often used for nighttime illumination before the widespread use of gas and electric lighting. The condition and patina suggest considerable age and frequent use. It may have been part of domestic life in a rural Australian household, possibly dating from the colonial or early Federation period.
Colin WEBB's Great Grandmother used it to sew with. Her maiden name was Walker. She married a HEBBARD and her daughter married a SMITH.

Physical description

A small, circular metal chamberstick-style candle holder with a raised central socket designed to hold a taper candle. The base is a shallow dish to catch wax drips, with a slightly upturned edge. A short, curved finger loop is attached to the side of the base, allowing the user to carry it by hand. The holder shows significant patina, oxidation, and surface corrosion, suggesting it is made of copper or brass and has aged considerably. The handle appears partially broken or worn away.