Ultra Rare Antique 18th C Heavy Brass 12 Tube Candle Mold Primitive Corks 5x10

Details

Description

Offered for sale is an extremely rare, museum-grade antique 12-tube solid brass candle mold, dating from the late 18th to … Read more Offered for sale is an extremely rare, museum-grade antique 12-tube solid brass candle mold, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century (circa 1780–1820). Unlike common 19th-century tinplate or sheet-iron molds, this specimen is crafted entirely from heavy-gauge sheet brass with robust soldered construction throughout.

The piece features a dual-tier architecture: a rectangular upper gallery pan designed to catch tallow overfill, 12 vertical brass taper tubes arranged in two parallel rows of six, and a heavy folded brass base plate. Measuring approximately 5" x 10" and weighing a heavy 2 lbs 4.6 oz, it possesses exceptional heft and visual presence. Remarkably, the lower tube openings retain an array of vintage/period hand-cut cork stoppers used during the casting process. The brass surface remains in strictly untouched antique condition, showcasing a deep, natural, multi-toned verdigris and dark historic oxidation patina. An extraordinary piece of early American or European domestic lighting history for advanced metalware collectors.

Origin: Continental European or Early American (Colonial / Federal Period).
Age: Late 18th to Early 19th Century (Circa 1780–1820).

Material: Solid Sheet Brass, Lead/Tin Solder, Organic Cork.

Authenticity Assessment
Authenticity is corroborated by distinct pre-industrial metalworking markers. The item is built from heavy-rolled sheet brass with hand-cut base and top plates. The joints display heavy, uneven hand-applied solder (high lead/tin solder alloy typical of the 18th and early 19th centuries) along the tube flanges rather than modern uniform machine brazing or spot welds. Crucially, the natural verdigris (copper carbonate oxidation) is deeply embedded in the corners and soldered recesses, consistent with long-term exposure to organic fats (tallow/beeswax) and ambient atmosphere. The presence of authentic aged cork inserts in the base tubes further verifies its operational history as a genuine period utility piece.

Reference
Book Title: Colonial Lighting
Author: Arthur H. Hayward
Page Reference: Chapter III: "Early Candle Molds and Lighting Accessories," pp. 52–68 (discussing early metal multi-tube candle molds and materials).

Historical Provenance & Design Significance: This 12-tube candle mold represents an exceptionally rare departure from 18th-century tinware standards, expertly constructed in solid sheet brass. Its architectural geometry and contrasting patinated surfaces highlight the utilitarian sophistication of pre-industrial domestic design.

Curator’s Note: A showstopping addition to any high-end hearth display, historical library, or rustic kitchen mantle. The piece features a dramatic architectural profile with twelve vertical brass cylinders set against a rich, undisturbed verdigris patina. It serves as a striking standalone sculptural artifact for interior designers curating Primitive, European Country, or Transitional space settings. See less