Antique Metalware Early Lighting 18thc W. Iron Spring Action Tripod Base Rushlight Holder

A well made late 18thc wrought iron rushlight holder.......a rushlight is a poor mans candle, formed by soaking the dried pith of the rush plant in tallow (animal fat)....for many centuries, rushlights were a common source of artificial light for "country" people throughout the British Isles....this fine example stands on a tripod base with penny bun feet and has a tapering stem and "filed" decoration....the rectangular jaws have a spring action and are held in place by a "D-hinge" leading down to a pointed thumbpiece....a lot of these features you can attribute to Caernarvonshire in North Wales....the rushlight is in very good condition with a fine patina. Welsh. C1770-90.