Christopher Clarke Antiques

Portable Candle Lamps in Travel Case

This pair of nickel plated brass Candle Lamps were specifically made for travel and have their own fitted leather hide case. It is rare to find such lighting in a travel case and the only other example we have heard of had a tin case. The candle lamps have sand in the base to weight them and the candles are spring loaded to keep them in the optimum position. The lamps have maker’s marks to the base of an anchor and a star in separate circles. The bottom of the case has internal fittings to nestle three onion bulb shades, affording them protection. On top of the shades is a lift up leather pad with two belt fittings to secure the lamps. The case is well made in stiff hide which again would help to protect. There is a vague maker’s mark to the front of the case of two part circles, containing a dot and facing opposite each other. The set has three shades to leave one as a spare, in case of breakage and this is exactly what has happened with one of the bulbs, which although period a slightly different shape. When the case is studied more closely it can be seen that a bullet has passed through it on the diagonal from front to back, going through the internal fittings that house the middle bulb and obviously destroying the original. This is a very good indicator these cased candle lamps were used by the military. The antique period is late 19th century.

Case size is given.