Miner’s Antique hand-forged Candle Sticks (Pair)

Description

From the Jerry and Judy Crandall frontier collection

Miner’s Antique hand-forged Candle Sticks (Pair)

Antique miners’ candlesticks were historically known as a “Sticking Tommy” or “Sticking Tom”. Hand-forged from iron during the 19th and early 20th centuries, these ingenious artifacts served as the primary lighting source for underground miners before the widespread adoption of carbide lamps or electric lighting.

Every curve and point on the tool served a specific, vital survival purpose underground:

• The Pointed Spike: The long, sharp steel spike allowed a miner to easily drive the tool directly into wooden support timbers or wedge it tightly into rock fractures. This kept the flame steady and hands-free while drilling or blasting.
• The Upward Hook: When timber or rock crevices weren’t available, the built-in top hook allowed the miner to hang the candleholder directly from an overhead ledge, a rock lip, or even from the rim of their canvas hats.
• The Candle Thimble: The cylindrical metal sleeve holds a single, standard stearic acid candle securely perpendicular to the spike, preventing it from tipping.
•  The Looped Handle: The rounded back loop acted as a comfortable handle, making it safe and easy to pull the embedded spike out of tough rock or wood.