Description:
One of a pair of tin candlesticks, known as hogscraper types. It was one of the most persistently used candlestick forms during the 18th and 19th centuries. The legend is that the base could be sharpened and used in butchering. By grasping the shaft, the circular sharp, convex base could be used to scrape the bristles from the scalded hide of a butchered pig; otherwise, the candlestick could be used in the house. But more likely the candlestick just resembled a hogscraping tool - hence the name. The round nozzle has a small curved handle; over the round, hollow shaft, with a flat metal sliding ejector mechanism or thumb piece on the side to raise and lower the candle. This one is stamped "DAVIS"; many of these hogscraper types have a maker's mark stamped on the thumb piece. A James Davis and a Richard Davis are listed in the Birmingham Directories. Richard Davis was an iron candlestick maker between 1842 and 1846. James was an iron candlestick maker between 1846-1865.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2045 |
