This is an antique iron candlestick of the form historically referred to as a hogscraper, a common utilitarian lighting device from the late 18th to early 19th century. The piece is constructed from iron and features a hollow cylindrical shaft with a vertical slot along one side. This slot houses a sliding thumb lever, which serves as a push-up ejector mechanism to raise a candle as it burns or to remove a spent stub. The shaft is mounted onto a wide, slightly domed circular base. The top of the column terminates in a narrow, flared drip pan. The hogscraper name is derived from the secondary traditional use of the sharp-edged base as a tool for scraping hair from a carcass during hog butchering. The piece shows a dark patina and remains in its original, uncleaned state. No maker marks, stamps, or alphanumeric characters are visible on the base or shaft. Bid directly at Bid.Ziebarths.com for a reduced buyers premium (18%). Email info@ziebarths.com for questions about this item.