Antique French rustic metal candle holder

A simple spiralling metal candle holder with a wooden base, with a shaped handle on one side which is usually called a 'rats tail'.

The piece is made from shaped metal, probably iron, and there is a good aged rusty patina. This design has its origins in medieval tallow holders and I think this piece is probably eighteenth century, although it is not possible to date them precisely.

The item would have been made in a blacksmiths workshop, forged from a piece of iron twisted into a spiral or corkscrew shape, and with a pointed stave at each end. The top was flicked out to make a primitive handle, colloquially known as a rats tail, and this example has a groove in the centre in a nod to simple decoration. The bottom point was driven into a turned wooden base, and hammered over into a staple to keep the spiral upright.
The base is made from a turned piece of old timber which is dry and cracked with a smattering of old, long dead worm holes. The finish has been made to simulate ebony, probably by washing it over with soot.
These items were commonly used in French wine cellars, and the hook could be used to hang the light over the caskets while working.
Size approx h17.5cm, diameter of base 9cm, aperture approx 2.5cm suitable for a standard dinner candle.

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Our items are carefully selected antique and vintage pieces from France and they show the character and charm of years of use. We do not sell new or reproduction items so you can expect to find signs of the age and life that the piece has led. We believe this history adds to the story of an item. Obvious damage and faults will always be mentioned in our descriptions but minor age-related condition issues are not considered a detriment.

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Apr 28, 2021

J