Chambersticks for Sale

Candlesticks and chambersticks are often confused, but they serve distinct purposes. Candlesticks, typically used as a general term for candle holders, are tall, single pillars that hold full-sized candles. Historically, they were used to light entire homes, often placed near mirrors or on mantels to amplify light. Today, they’re reserved for special occasions like dinner parties and can also serve as elegant décor, even without candles.

Chambersticks, on the other hand, are smaller and designed for portability. Used in bedrooms to provide just enough light for night-time tasks, they feature a tray at the base, known as a drip pan, to catch wax and prevent burns. Many came with built-in snuffers for convenience. Though less common today, chambersticks are prized by collectors for their unique history and compact design.

While both hold candles, their historical contexts and uses set them apart. Candlesticks light up spaces, while chambersticks offered practicality in intimate, personal settings. Each represents a different facet of life from a bygone era.

Antique silver candle holders encompass a variety of types, including candlesticks, candelabras, and chambersticks, each serving specific functions. Chambersticks are particularly designed for ease of movement, characterised by their low profile, a flat circular base to collect wax drips, a central socket for the candle, a side handle, and occasionally a detachable sconce or snuffer. Their name signifies their intended use—helping individuals find their way to and within their chambers without creating a mess from wax spills.

Historically, chambersticks were placed in entryways for family members returning home at night, and chambermaids would collect and clean them each morning. In the opulent homes of the 18th century, a designated "candle man" was responsible for the upkeep of all candlesticks. These items were typically crafted from materials such as silver, brass, pewter, or porcelain, with variations in materials over time assisting in the dating of specific pieces. Unlike standard household candlesticks that utilized beeswax for brighter light, chambersticks generally accommodated tallow candles, as their primary function was to illuminate pathways rather than to light entire rooms.

A chamberstick consists of several key parts, each designed for function and elegance:

• Base (Wax Pan) – A flat, circular platform that catches dripping wax, often ornamentally shaped in antique designs.


• Sconce – A removable or fixed collar around the socket, preventing wax from spilling over the edge.


• Handle – A side handle, sometimes elaborately decorated, allowing the chamberstick to be carried safely.


• Capital – The uppermost part of the candle socket, sometimes featuring a decorative rim or moulding to enhance stability and style. It helps secure the candle and can be plain or elaborately designed, depending on the period and craftsmanship.


• Knop – A rounded or bulbous decorative element, often positioned along the stem of the chamberstick or on the handle.


• Snuffer – Some chambersticks include a small, attached or separate cone-shaped snuffer for extinguishing the flame.



These elements make chambersticks both practical and decorative, reflecting their historical use in guiding individuals through dimly lit interiors.