Mid to hotsell late 1800's, Hog Scraper Candle Stick, Likely American Made

Hogscraper candlesticks are classic Colonial American pieces. Every colonial household had several.

Most of them were made in England until after 1850, primarily because England wouldn't allow the colonies to make them, and later because they were cheaper to buy as imports than to make in the US. Curiously, few were to be found in England as they were considered by the English to be "cottage lights" used only by the poor. The majority of Colonial Americans had little time for such concerns. These candlesticks were useful and essential to daily life. The name came from the fact that they could also be used to scrape the hides of hogs, a necessary activity on most farms.

The construction of this candlestick suggests that it was made sometime between 1850 and 1870. The metal is more finished and does not have the strike marks associated with a forge hotsell. This suggest this piece is American not British made. The lift tab is unstamped and functions freely. There is chair hook, and the lip of the candlestick is rounded with no visible dents. There is a small buildup of candle wax on the interior of the lip, I have chosen to leave it as found. The candle stick could easily continue to be used if this is desired. There are a few slight bends in the lip, appropriate for age and use. The metal has a pleasing dark slightly patina. Please review photos for full perspective. There are no makers marks or stamps visible.

The piece is approx. 6 1/2 inches tall and the base is 3 7/8 inches in diameter. The diameter of the top lip is approx. 1 3/4 inches and the candle opening is approx. 7/8 inch in diameter.

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