DESKTOP LIGHTING STAND Remarkably Tiny
A Great Rarity! 

Northeast, 18th to early 19th century.

Most early lighting stands are floor length, yet this exceedingly rare miniature stand is just seven inches, the smallest I have ever seen.

Designed for personal lighting on a desk or candlestand, or to be hand-held. The richly patinated base and column are turned from maple, with a bit of burl figure; the double-candle arm appears to be ash. Hand-cut threads permit raising and lowering of the candle-arm, which still fits tightly. The circular base, made by a skilled turner, shows period-appropriate slow-lathe tool marks underneath, rising to decorative ball, and acorn, knops. Exceptional original condition.

About 7 ¼ inches tall, candle arm 4 ½ wide. From a long time Southern collection. For comparison, see related but significantly larger and less design-successful examples in Early Lighting, the Rushlight Club, page 25.