Candlestick with Candle Gripping Mechanism

Materials: Brass.
Dimensions: N/A.
Place of Origin: Birmingham, England.
Date: c 1785 to 1830.
Maker: James or William Harrison.
Present Location: private collection.

Explanation:

Candle gripping mechanisms seem to have captured the imagination of many Georgian and Victorian inventors and several were patented; however, very few appear to have been commercially viable. One of the more successful examples was James Tate’s version, patented in 1785, which was adopted by Harrison of Birmingham, a major producer of brass candlesticks in the late 18th and early 19th century. This type operates by rotating the outer edge of the bobeche so that three lugs are slid inwards to grip the candle. When encountered they are usually broken or jammed up with old candle wax.

References:

R. Butler, A study of marked domestic brass ans other metalware,c.1600 to c.1900. 2001
K. Pinn, Light And Shade, Catalogue of Exhibition of antique Lighting and accessories. 1993