Signed 36-Tube
Painted Candlemold
New York State, ca. 1830.  

Tinned sheet iron, pine, and maple, in original red paint.

Signed “J. Walker, E. Bloomfield, NY”.

In a high degree of originality including the often-lost candle hangers. The finished molds by Walker would be carried by horse-drawn carriage or wagon to nearby Rochester or Buffalo for sale to local merchants, or shipped to other cities or regions via the Erie Canal, which was completed in 1825 and provided a cost-effective means of transportation for goods.

Imagine the effort by the candlemold user to then create candles by gathering raw materials such as beeswax or tallow, melt them to liquid, pour into the mold, insert wicks, then release from the tubes. Not surprising that candles were largely replaced by whale oil, then later kerosene, for lighting.

Excellent condition with minor expected wear. Very well made, like a little piece of furniture, about 13 inches wide x 10 ¾ deep x 11 tall. As good of an example as can be found.