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Folding Candlestick


Portable candlestick
English (?)
Medieval (Gothic)
14th–15th century (?)

Medium/Technique Pewter (70% tin, 29% lead, 1% copper)
Dimensions 16.7 x 6.8 x 5.2 cm (6 9/16 x 2 11/16 x 2 1/16 in.)
Credit Line Otis Norcross Fund
Accession Number68.54
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsMetalwork

DescriptionPricket candlestick with a thin central shaft and three legs on hinges that fold to the center. Body cast in one piece, legs attached with rivets in three slots that project at the base of the shaft. The pricket and two horizontal forked flanges on either side emanate from the shaft, which is rectangular in section and has four knops. The underside of the flanges forms an openwork pattern with triangles cut out. The legs have pointed feet and are pierced at the top for the round rivet. Matching assembly marks of one to three dots are found on the slots above the rivets and on the legs below a horizontal molded band.
ProvenanceUntil 1967, Hugo Oelze (d. 1967), Amsterdam; 1967, by inheritance to his brother, Dr. F. W. Oelze, Germany [see note 1]; 1968, sold by Dr. Oelze to the MFA. (Accession Date: March 13, 1968)

Notes:
[1] Per MFA curatorial recommendation letter of March 13, 1968 by Hanns Swarzenski.