chamberstick

Before 1800, most of the lamps and candlesticks used in America were made of metal. After that date, glass gradually became the most important medium for lighting devices. Although American pressed glass candlesticks are numerous, the base of this example is very rare. The socket is a relatively common pattern made at the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, which also produced whale-oil lamps with mold-blown fonts and bases. Candlesticks with handles were usually called chambersticks because the handle made it easier to carry the candlestick into the bedchamber. The ring handle was difficult to press because the molten glass did not flow easily through the small space required. In addition, the ring is so small that it must have been difficult for an adult to carry the candlestick while it held a lighted candle.