Campaign Candlesticks
A Military Duo
The maker of these gorgeous antiques is unknown but they boast a very Continental flavour.
Most likely French, these candlestick holders/carriers were once a staple homewares in many homes of the world.
A simple design which holds each one candlestick above a shallow saucer which catches the melting wax, protecting your hand, and presents a strong sturdy finger loop and tail for ease of transport.
I do not believe these to be made in India as they do not have the customary screw and nut fixtures on handles or under central join. Instead, they appear to be some kind of rivet or something similar.
As charming now as they were then and fully functional.
UPDATE....
And after selling these beauties - actually on that very day - I discovered that they are from a much distant past of Campaign Furnishings and are very rare indeed.
In the days of Empires and overseas campaigns, it was required that an officers camp be prepared to move quickly as front lines advanced or retreated. Much of the furnishings were able to be quickly and simply dismantled and packed for moving at a moments notice.
An officers camp site would be rather comparable to Glamping of today, often with numerous item of furniture: clothing trunks which opened as wardrobes, writing desk, folding chairs, collapsible tables and much more. It appears the higher the rank the more established their encampment.
These candlesticks are no different, as the holder unscrews from its cup to prevent damage during those encampment movements.
I count myself lucky to have held these wonderful pieces of history - even if only for a short time.
Something so unessential has taught me so much about the history of campaign encampments as my feelings of privilege turn to wonder ..... will I ever see another pair?
