CANDLE HOLDER

An incomplete copper alloy branched double-socket candlestick, of Late Medieval to Early Post Medieval dating (AD 1450 to AD 1500).

The candlestick is incomplete and in two fragments. One branch is broken in two. It consists of the separately cast element of collar with two curved branches (both being broken at the end of the branches and missing an annular terminal). The base, stem, spike or pricket and socket parts of the candlestick are missing.

The collar is cylindical (16.0 mm in diameter cross-section, internal measurement 11.8 mm diameter), widening to the open end and the end at which the branches extend (18.7 mm, internal 10.8 mm). It is decorated to the outside with a pair of moulded ribs flanking the expansions at either end. In one place, above the ribs flanking the end where the branches extend, are two crudely grooved inverted Vs set one inside the other, possibly indicating the direction of attachment. The collar would have sat on top of the main stem and from its centre would have projected a spike, which probably acted as a pricket - these elements were seperately cast.

Two integrally cast symmetrical branches lead from the upper edge of the cylinder forming a 'Y' shape. The branches splay outwards from the collar at c. 45 degrees then turn at c.90 degrees into a C-shape (and inverted C to the other arm). Both terminate in an old break. The arms are lozenge shaped in cross-section. The candle sockets would have been fixed to circular fittings at the end of the branches.

The object measures 48.4 mm across from branch terminal to branch terminal, it is 40.0 mm high and 18.4 mm thick across the cylinder. It weighs 34.5 g.

The candlestick is a dark green colour, with an even surface patina.

It can be classified as Brownsword's 'Branched double-socket type' candlesticks (Brownsword, 1985: Fig. 3) and probably dates to the late 15th to early 16th century. A couple of similar branched double socket candlesticks have been recorded on the PAS database including: LIN-BC3C51; HAMP-193E2E; NMS-93AC56 and YORYM-5C3F98.

Reference: Brownsword, R, 1985 'English Latten Domestic Candlesticks 1400-1700' in Finds Research Group 700-1700