Antique 18th C Colonial Wrought Iron Rushlight Rush Lamp Candle Holder

A
splendid example of original period New England lighting, all hand
forged, blacksmith made with a turned wooden base, this particular
example dating from the mid to late 18th century circa 1750-1790.

 Out
of a collection of period lighting assembled decades ago, this piece
likely originates from New England, perhaps Rhode Island, Massachusetts,
or Connecticut in origin.

 Rushlights
such as this would have been used to hold a piece of burning rush or
splint within the jaws of the piece, the attached heavily
formed counterbalance would have been used to put pressure on the weight
of one of the opposing pincher jaws helping to secure said rush in
place.

As
you can see in the photographs, the blacksmith who originally made the
piece formed in a great geometric shaped counterbalance weight, similar
to those seen in some reference volumes specializing on early lighting. 

Please
take a moment to click on the enlarge tab beneath the photographs and
you’ll see you can produce some pictures that help to further showcase
design and condition.  Note the lovely original stain to the base as
well. 

Up for a period of one week with no reserve and a low starting bid. 

Thanks
for visiting The Country Tin and be sure to check back with us on
Sunday evenings for fresh to market examples of Early American Antique
Country Furnishings! Excellent
overall condition on this rushlight.  There is some slight pitting from
age, otherwise a fine example that’s certain to compliment any colonial
era home, decorum, or lighting collection.

Thanks
for visiting The Country Tin, and be sure to visit our other website
listings this and future weeks for fine offerings of period country
furnishings.

This splendid piece of early colonial lighting is offered for a period of one week with no reserve!

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