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ID #SA1167513
FOR SALE
£445
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18th Century English Antique Rushlight – Original
For sale by Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd
for sale €521     $565
£445
Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd

Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2009
Browse dealers 155 items
  • About Us
    34 years in the antiques trade, miles is constantly sourcing interesting, original, mainly english antique furniture and accessories.
  • Trade Associations
    Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd is a registered member of LAPADA 
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Id #SA1167513
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18th Century English Antique Rushlight – Original

18th century
Description

18th Century English Antique Rushlight – Original

A very original, not reproduction, English Georgian antique rushlight or nip with a candle holder weight and a twist stem held by the original pine wooden base. In very good condition and totally original. There are plenty of fakes out there for sale, it is a minefield. But this is an original, English 18th century example. An early form of primitive lighting.

Dimensions

Height: 28cm (11.11")

Width: 11cm (4.37")

Depth: 11cm (4.37")

Physical Dimensions
Height
28cm (11.02")
Width
11cm (4.33")
Depth
11cm (4.33")
Declaration

Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd has dated this Antique Rushlight Holder to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1167513
Dealers Notes

Please contact us if you have any questions or for reliable a delivery quote. We deliver worldwide.

See us on Instagram : @miles.griffiths.antiques

Description
18th Century English Antique Rushlight – Original
“
A very original, not reproduction, English Georgian antique rushlight or nip with a candle holder weight and a twist stem held by the original pine wooden base.
Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd

In very good condition and totally original. There are plenty of fakes out there for sale, it is a minefield. But this is an original, English 18th century example. An early form of primitive lighting.

Dimensions

Height: 28cm (11.11")

Width: 11cm (4.37")

Depth: 11cm (4.37")

Height
28cm (11.02")
Width
11cm (4.33")
Depth
11cm (4.33")
Date of Manufacture

Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd has dated this Antique Rushlight Holder to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1167513
Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd
Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2009

34 years in the antiques trade, miles is constantly sourcing interesting, original, mainly english antique furniture and accessories.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd Profile Page

Trade Associations

Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd is a registered member of LAPADA 

PDF SHARE
SAVE
An 18th-century English wrought iron rushlight holder with a twisted stem set into a rustic wooden block base.
1 / 5
Archive I An 18th-century English wrought iron rushlight holder with a twisted stem set into a rustic wooden block base.

18th Century English Antique Rushlight – Original

Archive II An 18th-century English wrought iron rushlight holder with a twisted stem set into a rustic wooden block base. View II
Archive III An 18th-century English wrought iron rushlight holder with a twisted stem set into a rustic wooden block base. View III
Archive IV An 18th-century English wrought iron rushlight holder with a twisted stem set into a rustic wooden block base. View IV
Archive V An 18th-century English wrought iron rushlight holder with a twisted stem set into a rustic wooden block base. View V
Enlarged Archival View
Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd

Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd
Telephone 01524 241716
Location
North Yorkshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/mga
Verified Since May 2009
Items For Sale 155
Items Sold 10,713
Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd
Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd
Verified Since May 2009
View Dealer Info
Location: North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/mga
Verified
May 2009
For Sale
155
Sold
10,713
An 18th-century English wrought iron rushlight holder with a twisted stem set into a rustic wooden block base.
18th Century English Antique Rushlight – Original
Ref: SA1167513
An 18th-century English wrought iron rushlight holder with a twisted stem set into a rustic wooden block base.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectRushlight Holders
  • Period18th century
  • StyleGeorgian
  • MaterialWrought Iron, Wood
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsHand-forged iron stem, Twisted ironwork, U-shaped arm, Block wood base
  • SizeH 28 cm (11 in) x W 11 cm (4 in) x D 11 cm (4 in)

This 18th century Georgian rushlight holder is an authentic early form of primitive lighting made from hand-forged wrought iron and a pine wooden block base. The piece combines a dark brown iron structure featuring a twisted stem, a U-shaped arm, and a nip with a candle holder weight, anchored securely into a heavy, natural-toned timber block. Visible details include rough-hewn wood grain showing natural cracks and vertical grain patterns, alongside rusted iron patination indicating age and original use. The dimensions measure 28 cm high, 11 cm wide, and 11 cm deep. In a modern interior, this primitive lighting object serves as a decorative accent for display on a mantelpiece, shelf, or tabletop within a rustic farmhouse setting. Its compact proportions allow it to fit easily into traditional or transitional spaces as a historical display piece without taking up significant surface area.

FAQs

A rushlight holder is an early domestic lighting device designed to hold dried meadow rushes that had been soaked in melted animal fat or tallow. Popular in rural British households from the medieval period through to the 18th century, these items provided an affordable alternative to costly beeswax candles.

These lighting devices were traditionally crafted by local blacksmiths using hand-forged wrought iron. The structure typically features a pair of spring-loaded or counterweighted iron jaws to hold the rush, attached to a twisted stem and mounted into a turned timber or rough-hewn wooden block base.

Authentic 18th-century examples display evidence of hand-forging, such as irregular hammer marks, hand-cut rivets, and subtle asymmetrical details. The surface of the iron often exhibits deep patination and surface oxidisation, while timber bases show natural shrinkage, wear, and age-related surface checking.

An antique rushlight serves as a compelling sculptural accent when displayed on a fireplace mantelpiece, bookshelf, or sideboard. Combining textured ironwork with modern minimalist surfaces or natural timber furniture creates an engaging historical focal point within contemporary homes.

Maintain iron and wood rushlight holders by keeping them in a stable, dry environment to prevent further metal corrosion and timber movement. Light dusting with a dry microfibre cloth and an occasional light application of microcrystalline wax will protect both the metal patina and the wooden base.
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