Antique pair of early 1800's French rat-de-cave or pig tail candlesticks. Beautifully worn and patinated examples with turned fruitwood base and wrought iron spiral stick with long hook (rat’s tail) on top. One has it's original height adjuster with curled handle. 

Used throughout France in the 18th and 19th century for lighting in (wine) cellars, and to check levels of fermenting gases. Held or hung in darkened basements with the 'rat’s tail' at the top used as a handle, or hooked onto casks in the vault.

Charming and extremely decorative interior pieces.

Both in good used condition. One is darker than the other. The blacker one comes with the height adjuster and pusher, the other one comes without these and with cork insert.

Wood worm holes present.

Height 19 cm or 7.5 inches & 20 cm or 7.9 inches

WORLDWIDE INSURED SHIPPING

- will be packed with care -

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