What-is-it question CLVIII.

[2209patrick]

This small item was made by Elkington, of Birmingham England in 1844.

Measures 5.5 inches ( 13.97 cm.) in length, is 1.375 inches ( 3.49 cm.) wide and is 1.625 inches ( 4.13 cm.) tall.

What was it called ? Will accept a couple of different names.



Pat.
.

[2209patrick]

Here's a clue:
This is not a "Chamberstick" ( Chamber Candlestick ).
Chambersticks were usually larger and produced more light.

Pat.
.

[chase33]

Is it an oil lamp based on Psalm 119? ("Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path")

Robert
.

[2209patrick]

That's a very good idea Robert, but it is not an oil lamp.

Pat.
.

[dognose]

Hi Pat,

A "Taperstick"?

Trev.
.

[2209patrick]

Well done Trev. Yes, it's a Taperstick.

Used for melting sealing wax for letters.
Also called a "Tobacco Candlestick". These were often used to light smoking pipes.
http://www.theassayoffice.co.uk/newsmay08_silver.html

Here's a related item by Samuel Wood, London, 1744.
It is 3.375 inches ( 8.6 cm.) high. The diameter of the base is 2.875 inches ( 7.3 cm.).
What was it called ?



Pat.
.

[2209patrick]

Here's a clue for Samuel Wood's piece.
This type is associated with traveling writing cases.

Pat.
.

[2209patrick]

Samuel Wood's piece is called a "bougie box".
Derived from the French "bougie" which meant candle.
In turn derived from B(o)ugia, the Algerian town which exported the wax.

The box holds a taper coil.
Also called a "Taper-box".

Pat.
.