Primitive 19th C Hogscraper Candlestick

This hogscraper candlestick is an excellent example of this common early form of lighting device.  The thumb tab is used to raise the candle and eject the residual candle stub.  The lip around the candle holder, called a bobeche, is to collect drippings.  The hook attached to the bobeche is for hanging on the back of ladderback chairs which were common at the time (both within and without the Shaker communities).  The name "hogscraper" comes from the candlestick's resemblance to an antique device used to scrape bristles from a hog after slaughter.  While we don't know that this particular hogscraper is from a Shaker community, it is a similar form to those used by the Shakers.  Please contact us with any questions or for additional pictures.