Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill
Unusual 18th-Century Antique Iron and Treen Hog-Scraper-Come-Stable-Come-Birdcage Candleholder, circa 1780
Unusual 18th-Century Antique Iron and Treen Hog-Scraper-Come-Stable-Come-Birdcage Candleholder, circa 1780
Couldn't load pickup availability
A rare and unusually conceived wrought iron candlestick of the eighteenth century, combining in a single hand-forged object the structural principles of both the birdcage (or stable) candlestick and the hogscraper candlestick — two of the most characteristic forms of vernacular British ironwork lighting.
The birdcage element is formed by flat iron straps rising vertically from the collar to embrace the cylindrical candle socket, creating the open cage structure that gives this type its name and which served the practical purpose of stabilising the candle against movement — a form particularly associated with agricultural and workshop use. Above, a flat-section hanging hook rises from the socket rim, allowing the piece to be suspended from a beam or shelf edge when required.
The hogscraper element takes the form of a helical projecting flange spiralling around the central stem — the defining feature of the hogscraper type, serving both as a drip pan to catch running tallow and as a thumb-push ejector to free the spent candle stub from the socket.
The iron assembly is seated in a gadrooned collar and mounted on a substantial turned treen base of disc form, the wood darkened throughout with age and handling to a fine natural patina. The piece retains excellent surface throughout, with the hammer marks and slight irregularities of hand-forging clearly evident.
The combination of both candlestick types in a single implement is uncommon and reflects the ingenuity of a skilled provincial blacksmith working within the vernacular tradition.
Provenance: British, circa 1780.
Material: Treen and iron.
Condition: Please refer to the images.
Dimensions: Height 18 cm (7 inches)
🚚✈️🚢 We ship worldwide!
You can buy with 100% confidence too!
We are a member of the following 4 Professional Associations:
1. LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) – LAPADA is the UK’s largest trade association for professional art & antique dealers (representing approximately 500 UK dealer members). All items are backed by our LAPADA guarantee;
2. CINOA –Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art, (or International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' Associations) is the world association of art & antique dealer associations (representing 5000 dealers from 32 associations in 22 countries);
3. The Norfolk & Suffolk Antique Dealers Association - Representing reputable, high quality antiques dealers based in Norfolk and Suffolk; and
4. FSB - Federation of Small Business.
Wish to purchase this item?
1. Buy online via this website; OR
2. Tel: 00 44 7551 383897 (line open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday UK time) where we can take payment over the phone.
Want further information about an item or wish to discuss shipping costs?
1. Email us via this website; OR
2. Email us via:
info@holtantiquefurniture.com
We will aim to respond and make contact with you within 24 hours of receipt of your enquiry.
🚚✈️🚢 Shipping & Customs Information
Please Note: Prices shown exclude customs clearance fees. Where applicable, these charges will be levied directly by your receiving courier, designated importer, or local government authority. These fees vary by destination and are the responsibility of the buyer. For guidance on potential charges, we recommend contacting your local customs office prior to purchase.
