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Pair vintage gimbal table candlesticks & candle wall sconces, in solid polished brass, 1940`s ca, English.

These vintage chambersticks have been gently cleaned while respecting the age patina. They are sold with a pair of new quality beeswax candles and are ready to use.

Presented here is a cleverly designed nautical candlestick, a gimbal originally used on ships because the swinging aspect keeps the candle upright in a moving vessel. As the ship swayed, the hinged weighted candle holder also swayed with the motion, ensuring that the candle with the fire stayed upright. The gimbal as in this design can be held, used on a table-top or hung on a wall. 

The design make these table/wall lights well suited for flexibility either in a boat or home, where it is not possible to have electrical wire. 

The decorative design in golden metal give a traditional ambience which complements the flicker of a candle. They would suit a range of interiors such as Antique, Traditional, Country, Nautical or Contemporary.

From the bottom the design features a round concave base in solid polished brass known as a drip pan or wax pan. Each drip pan has a side handle with loop & thumb-rest.

In this design the brass capital leading to the candle is not directly attached to the drip pan. Instead the baluster shaped capital is free & weighted at the bottom. It pivots on each side to a harp shaped hinge which is attached to the base. This allows the capital to sway. It is possible to bolt the capital in place. The bolts on the side can be tightened to keep the candle in the preferred position. There are also black rubber washers to insure the upright position is tight. The bolt has a decorative brass handle pierced with a complementary pattern to the brass candle shades.

At the nozzle, where the candle is placed, is a vintage removable candle shade carrier. This holder sits on the candle as well as holding the removable brass candle shade above. As the candle burns down, the shade is able to move down at the same time. 

These chambersticks are finished with vintage pierced solid polished brass candle shades. The decorative pattern has linear banding at the top & bottom with a complex pattern with embossed foliate details in between.

Each candlestick carries one candle. In these photographs each has a traditional quality beeswax candle. Two new extra long quality beeswax candles are included in the price, these can be cut to the desired height.

To fit these sconces to the wall there is a foldable metal triangular ring on the back of each frame. 

Both vintage gimbal candlesticks are in very good condition for their age. The vintage patina has been preserved. The main frames, pivot elements, candle shade carriers & pierced shades are all sound with no damages or missing parts. The brass surfaces have the original clear lacquer present as well as a warm vintage patina adding character, with minor rubbing and a few tiny marks all in line with age & wear. 

Additional dimensions:

Please note that the Height of these chambersticks will vary depending on the Height chosen for the candles.

The total dimensions with the shades on (as photographed) is: Height: 36 cm, Width: 13.5 cm, Depth: 13.5 cm.

The Height of the frames (bases) without the shades on (as photographed) is: 17 cm.

The lampshade alone has the following dimensions: Height: 8 cm, Diameter at the bottom: 13.5 cm, Diameter at the top: 5.5 cm.

The Height of the new beeswax candles is: 30 cm. 

Packing is offered free of charge. We take special professional care with packing. For safe transport the shades will be wrapped separately in bubble wrap, foam and an outer layer of card. These will be stacked together. The frames & shade carriers will be wrapped similarly. Together these pieces would easily fit into a box with loose fill packing suitable for posting with a courier. We ship with reliable couriers (signed for, tracked & insured).

MAIN DELIVERY CHARGES:

Within London UK: £ free
UK Mainland: £ free
European Union: £ 70
United States/Canada: £ 100
Japan: £ 120
Australia: £ 150
Rest of the World please enquire.

GIMBAL CHAMBERSTICK HISTORY

In the 18th Century, hand or chamber candlesticks were designed to be portable for carrying around the house to lit one`s way to the bed "chamber",  either at home or at an inn or public indoor space. During daylight hours, a chamberstick would be stored in a main part of the home, most often the kitchen, on a wall or over the mantelpiece.

A gimbal candlestick was originally used on ships because the swinging aspect keeps the candle upright in a moving vessel. As the ship swayed, the hinged weighted candle holder also swayed with the motion, ensuring that the candle with the fire stayed upright. The gimbal can be held, used on a table-top or hung on a wall.