This listing is for the rush lamp only, no candle, match, or other props are included. Thank you.
Rush lights are one of the earliest forms of lighting in the 18th century and lighting implements like this can date as far back as the roman empire.
The term “Rush Light” comes from the practice of using the hollow pithy stalk of the rush plant that has been treated by soaking in tallow or cooking grease. This was mentioned in the London Gazette in 1710 as "small rushes once dipped or drawn through Grease or kitchen stuff." These tallow or fat soaked rush stalks would be held in-between the jaws of the rush lamp and used for lighting of homes and would also be used almost like a match to help light other candles or oil lamps if necessary.
This particular piece has been hand forged and laboriously hand filed into shape.
The base is made from locally harvested Figured Birch that has been stained with Aqua Fortis and sealed with multiple coats of linseed oil and beeswax. The bottom is also signed and dated “ Joseph Bachofer 2022"
Aqua Fortis is a very old Nitric Acid based wood stain used heavily on gun stocks, furniture, and musical instruments in the 18th century.
The candle holder portion of this piece can accept a candle with a 7/8" inch base please note that I cannot guarantee that all candles will fit perfectly without shaving some wax off the base to fit perfectly.
The dimensions of this piece measure 9 1/4" high from the base to the top. And the wood base measures 5 1/4" inches in diameter.
