Primitive French Wrought Iron Rat de Cave Candle Holder, 19th Century

A primitive French rat de cave candle holder, traditionally used to provide light in wine cellars. Hand-worked in wrought iron, the piece has a open spiral stem with an ingenious sliding mechanism allowing the candle to be raised as it burns down. The curled upper hook or 'rat's tail' provided a convenient way of carrying or hanging the light. Standing on four broad arched feet, finished with a simple incised geometric motif. The irregular hand-worked surface and deep, timeworn patina give it a wonderful folk-art quality. In great antique condition with oxidation, surface wear and irregularities throughout consistent with age and use.