Featured in this lot are three antique miner candlestick holders, with two being from Virginia City, Nevada and made by Best & Belcher Mining Company and one being unmarked. The holders were used for gold and silver mining during the 19th Century. The candlestick holders are what is called a High-Graders Candle stick holder. The miners candles stick is given the "Hi-Graders" name as the holder has a hollow loop in the inside of the handle where miners would steal the "HI-Grade" gold while mining. Once the early miners would find the "HI-Grade" gold they would wrap it in wax and press it into the hollow area, unnoticeable to their superiors. The candle stick holders have both a spike that can be driven into the rock or support timbers, and a hook to suspend it from a rock or timber. The two made by Best & Belcher are marked on the cylindrical candle holder and read, "Best & Belcher Mining Co. Virginia City, Nev." while the third is unmarked. All three of these antique candle holders are in good condition with rusting throughout. The holders measure 9 7/8" L x 2 3/16" W x 2 3/8" H. Though these items were plentiful in their time they are rare now as many were just left behind in the mines.

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