Collections Database

Description:
Tin candlestick with an ejector and hollow bottom 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. The thumb piece on this example is marked but is indistinct - it could be "NEW..." or "LOCK..."

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+69.1063

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.