Each with a wide drip pan (4.5 inches, 11.5cm) hollow knopped stem and a stepped circular base, the pricket assembly attached to the main body with three brass rivets. Prickets...
Each with a wide drip pan (4.5 inches, 11.5cm) hollow knopped stem and a stepped circular base, the pricket assembly attached to the main body with three brass rivets.
Prickets rather than cups tended to be used in ecclesiastical candlesticks and those dating before the 18th century.
John Caspall writes about the particular technique used to fix the candle spike on Nuremburg prickets: ‘The base of the spike finishes in a thin gauge iron disc, superimposed on which is a larger diameter iron disc, which in turn is cut to fit exactly inside the drip pan. Both discs are then riveted together with three iron rivets ….After being positioned inside the drip pan, the complete spike assembly is then riveted through the drip pan with copper alloy or iron rivets…The high ragged burrs are evidence of a rough hole having been punched through the iron disc, which can probably be explained by the fact that the brazier’s casting, after finishing by the turners, was then furnished with its ferrous components by the less skilled workers, or even apprentice blacksmiths.’ Fire & Light in the home pre-1820 (Antique Collectors’ Club, 1987) p. 68.