Opus Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
On one side of these Brighton Buns there is a small picture, so probably indicating that it was used by people travelling to Jerusalem.

They consist of two drip -pan bases with candle cups which screw in to the base to provide two chambersticks. When not in use the candle cups and sometimes also candle snuffers are unscrewed and stored in the bases which in turn screw together to get the Brighton Bun!!

These Brighton Buns have been made from all sorts of materials ranging from brass, copper, bronze and even silver, Queen Charlotte, the consort of George 111 owned a silver one dated 1808, crocodile leather and yes good old wood was also used, although fairly infrequently. Wood ones mainly tended to be made from olive wood but ocassionally you maybe lucky to find an antique treen Brighton Bun made from walnut, elm ebony or yew.

Hepplewhite and Co. described Brighton Buns as uniting elegance with utility- praise indeed.
http://www.opusantiques.co.uk/antique-treen-brighton-bun-candle-set.html
They measure 11.5cm w x 4.5cm h when closed
Opus Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Antique treen, boxes & decorative georgian items
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Opus Antiques Profile Page