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Early 19th c Lincoln Imp Handmade Wooden Candlesticks browse these categories for related items... All Items: Archives: Furnishings: Accessories: Pre 1837 VR: item # 552349 GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear 56 Calle Monte Aplanado, NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 Phone: 505.205.1404 Guest Book Sold; thank you! |
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These are very old candlesticks, most likely pre-Victorian. The pair show variations in size and form and they have wood-pegged bases, plus the rich patina that only great age can impart to wood. Their whimsical ornaments identify them as souvenirs of a visit to Lincoln, county town of Lincolnshire and home to a famous cathedral, which was actually the world's tallest building from around 1300 to 1549 but is better known for a piece of stonework called the Lincoln Imp. The little demon, according to legend, was sent by Satan to make mischief in medieval England and outdid himself here -- dancing on the altar, tripping up a Bishop, knocking over the Dean, smashing furniture and tormenting the choir. It's said he paused to gloat atop a column, whereupon the fed-up angels turned him to stone. For centuries, Lincoln's imp has been adored and replicated to make keepsakes for pilgrims and tourists. Although candlesticks like these are rare, all-metal tems like door knockers, bells, tea caddy spoons and toasting forks are found more commonly. (We have a door knocker now, so be sure to see that, if you're an imp fan.) While the majority of antique souvenirs date from the Victoria era, when rail travel made touring widely affordable, those of greater means toured Britain extensively when they couldn't visit the Continent due to late 18th and early 19th century wars. Everything about these candlesticks convinces me they date from that period. For instance, their dimensions are inexact, one being about 6.5 inches tall and and 4 inches across the base, while the other is a little taller and wider. Further, one had a narrower top and lip, even before incurring an old burn and chip at the rear. The most telling detail of all, of course, is the pegged construction evident on the bases. These 3-inch imp castings are also slightly different from later versions. (Compare faces and hair patterns with our mid-Victorian imp knocker and you'll see what I mean.) Of course each maker of souvenir goods would have produced his own model for casting, but these additionally show greater depth of patina. Interestingly, the imps are attached with small button-head screws of considerable age but not hand-made. I took one imp off and the wood color is much lighter behind it and on the roughly chiseled niche created for the left leg. Similarly, no patina is present on the imp's reverse, so I can conclude only that they began life together and the present screws are replacements. (The first machine-threaded screws were made in 1797, but they weren't in common use or machine-slotted until the 1850s and it took a little longer than that for button heads to come along.) There's no charge for insured U.S. Priority shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Thanks for looking! |
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