Chamberstick
United States or England
1900-1950
Maker
W & S (unidentified makers)
Measurements
5-1/4 in (without electrification) x 10 in x 9-1/2 in (dia)
Materials
Tinned sheet iron and copper alloy (brass)
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation
Accession Number
1969.5286
Inscription
“W&S” underneath a pair of of compasses and within a circle is embossed on the outside bottom.
Condition Notes
The chamberstick, which has been electrified by running an electric cord through the side ejector opening, is missing a douter or extinguisher.
Comments
This chamberstick has a cylindrical shaft set within a large bowl with tall sidewalls canted outward. A circular strap handle is attached to one side. The candle shaft has a side ejector controlled by a cast brass knob. A strip of metal has been attached to the side of the shaft to hold a flame extinguisher or douter, which is missing.
This chamberstick has no known counterparts in early American lighting. The oversize bowl is far too large for any apparent use. Lighting of this type did not have brass ejector knobs. Perhaps most indicative of its late time of manufacture, the maker’s mark is far more ornate than was the practice among the relatively few marked candlesticks.
