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Circa 1600's Blacksmith Forged Rush Lamp with counter weight.
Counter weight is Beautifully Decorated on both sides.
A rushlight is a type of candle formed using the dried pith of the rush plant as its wick. The green epidermis or rind is peeled off to reveal the inner pith, aside from a single strip left to provide support. It is then steeped in any household fat or grease that is available although beeswax or good tallow, especially mutton fat, improves the quality of the light.
Rush wicks were used in lamps in ancient Rome, and rushlights may be older than true candles. A rushlight gave about as much light as a candle and was less expensive, but it dropped melted grease. As late as 1880 rushlights were still used in England.
Size: 22" H x 14" W x 8" D
Weight: 9.25 lbs |
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