Collections Database

Description:
Tin candlestick with an ejector, hollow bottom and attached hanging hook, known as a hogscraper type, which served a dual purpose. 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. Many of these hogscraper types have a maker's mark stamped on the thumb piece. Fannie H. Wilson gift (one of two) to PVMA, listed as #118 in the Kitchen: "A pair of Candlesticks".

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+69.1062

Research on objects in the collections, including provenance, is ongoing and may be incomplete. If you have additional information or would like to learn more about a particular object, please email fc-museums-web@fivecolleges.edu.