Iron Spiral Candlestick with Wide Base

A hand-forged iron candlestick with a loose coil of iron wound around the candle, a hooked top and a small handle on the side. As the candle burns down, you wind it up the coil so the flame stays at about the same height, and the dished pan underneath catches the wax. In France a spiral candlestick like this is called a rat de cave, or cellar rat, after the small lights carried down to the wine cellar. In England and America they are known as courting candles. We sourced this piece in the South of France. It dates from the 19th century. It stands on a wide dished pan with three splayed feet that curl out at the ends. We would light it on a long table or a deep windowsill, or pair it with our small-base spiral candlestick, which is sold separately. One available.