Tin Chamberstick with Glass Chimney and Taper Candle
Decorative Art and Utilitarian Object, Tin and Blown Glass • Unknown maker, likely American or European folk artisan / manufactured utilitarian ware
Style & Movement
Folk Art / Americana / Traditional Domestic Utilitarian Craft
Medium & Technique
Hand-formed tinplate, punched decoration, solder assembly, blown glass, and wax
Creation Period
Late 19th to Mid 20th Century (Revival or Folk Art piece)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated dimensions: Height approximately 10 inches, Base diameter approximately 6 inches; circular domestic tabletop format
Subject Description
A functional domestic lighting device composed of a scalloped tin saucer base with a ring handle, a punched-tin central socket holding a small white paraffin taper candle, encased within a clear blown-glass hurricane chimney
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good, showing authentic minor surface wear, oxidation to the tin, wax residue in the socket, and intact glass chimney without visible cracks
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $75
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50
Provenance History
Acquired through domestic circulation, antique markets, or general estate holdings with no documented institutional provenance
Art Historical Significance
Representative of traditional domestic lighting equipment used prior to widespread electrification, serving as both a functional tool and a collectible piece of Americana folk craft
Notable Features
Scalloped edge design on the saucer base, punched dot pattern on the candle socket collar, and the inclusion of a matching clear glass chimney which is frequently lost in surviving examples
Condition Issues
Light surface oxidation (rusting) on the tin, wax accumulation around the candle socket base, minor scratches to the glass chimney
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle dusting with a dry microfiber cloth, careful removal of excess wax using non-abrasive tools if necessary, and storage in a stable, low-humidity environment