Sold: Gold Miner’s Candle Holder

Miner’s candle holder  / wrought iron / c. 1870s

Antique gold miner’s hand-forged iron candlestick dating to the California Gold Rush, c. mid-19th century. With the hook of this iron candle holder balanced on a finger, a miner would have carried this simple and ingenius lightsource to navigate in the dark of a mineshaft. Upon finding the promising spot to take up the pickaxe, the miner could hammer the candle holder into the wall in order to work. What’s more, the piece also functioned as a portable stove for heating up a subterranean mess tin lunch. A sculptural object with a fascinating history. Found in Auburn, California.

Very good antique condition.

Measurements

9.5 inches long
2 inches wide
2.5 inches tall

Shipping

Free in the continental United States. If an international buyer, please contact me for a shipping estimate by clicking here.