An antique French 'rat de cave'

These items were in use in the 18th and 19th centuries. The 'rat's tail' was the means by which the candlestick could be carried into the French caves where wine was stored, but the hook was often used to hang the candlestick up in the French wine cellars. There are quite few of these around, but this one is somewhat special:

1. The base could be a fruitwood rather than the more usual oak or pine

2. The base has the initial 'A' carved into it

3. The candle holder still retains the charred remains of a candle of some age

The candle is split in two, but the top part of the candle can still be raised up the spiral by the fully functional candle raiser

The base shows evidence of woodworm but this is historic, and no cause for concern.

The base is irregular in form. The spiral has a quirky twist to it 

It is impossible to put a precise date to this item but it clearly has a considerable amount of age 

Postage is just to within the UK where delivery will be via UPS

Please see my other predominantly 18th and 19th century items