What-is-it question CLV.

[2209patrick]

This candlestick holder was made by Joseph Walker of Dublin Ireland in 1719.
What was it called or used for ?



Pat.

[JLDoggett]

Here that would be called a "student's lamp" so the light shines onto the paper or book on the desk while the face is shielded from the flame. The shield can be raised for a new taper and be lowered as the candle burns down. This one appears to have a place to set a chamber-stick so when the reader/writer is done he can take his candle to light his way to bed.
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[2209patrick]

Well done JLDoggett.

Yes, this candlestick holder is meant to be used when reading.
The two branches height is adjustable on the pole.

Another example made by Jonathan Alleine in 1766, has two lights, each made to be detachable hand candlesticks.
Not sure if Joseph Walker's lights are detachable.

My reference calls it a "Library Candlestick", but a "Students Lamp" works for me.

Pat.
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[JLDoggett]

When candles for general lighting lost ground to oil lamps this pattern was simply converted to be used incorporating a small oil lamp in place of the candle stands.

I was unsure but the far candle-holder (and likely the one on the left also) appears to be be set into a notched opening. Were they to be seperated from the base-and-shield they would look like simple chambersticks. The few I have seen where the holders are attached have been held on arms more like those on candelabra.
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