Vintage Cast Iron Candle Holder Wall Hangings?

[valhom]

These are candle holders right? They have open rings?

They both measure approx. 7" tall.

Thank you.

[cogar]

I’m thinking they were for kerosene lamps rather than candles, ……. like so …..



source web link: 
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Vintage-CAST-WROUGHT-IRON-WALL-SCONCE-Oil-Lamp-Candle-PLANT-Holders-VICTORIAN-wedding-home-pation-garden/815590_1434923541.html

[ghopper1924]

Agree with Cogar. The loops are definitely too wide for candles; oil lamps make more sense.

[cogar]

OOPS, I also shudda said ......

The picture I posted doesn’t have a “ring” mount like in Valhom’s post …… but has a platform with a high “lip” …… and the oil lamp made for it would have a “matching” protruding lip on its base to fit snugly on the platform thus preventing it from being slid or bumped off into the floor.

The same type of lamps with “matching” protruding lips on their bases need to be found that will fit into Valhom’s “ring” mounted lamp holders.

Railroad cars and cabooses used kerosene lamp mounting brackets like Valhom’s.

[mart]

What is the ring diameter ??  May have had a glass insert for candle !!

[valhom]

I’m thinking they were for kerosene lamps rather than candles, ……. like so …..



source web link: 
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Vintage-CAST-WROUGHT-IRON-WALL-SCONCE-Oil-Lamp-Candle-PLANT-Holders-VICTORIAN-wedding-home-pation-garden/815590_1434923541.html

Thank you

[valhom]

Agree with Cogar. The loops are definitely too wide for candles; oil lamps make more sense.

I think you're right.

[valhom]

What is the ring diameter ??  May have had a glass insert for candle !!

Diameter is 3 inches

[mart]

Would have to be very small oil lamps !! 

[cogar]

Mart, they were full-size lamps …… but the base was molded so that it would fit “snuggly” in the ring of the wall-mount bracket …… like pictured here, to wit:



Thus the kero lamp could be placed in the wall bracket or it could be set on the table, bureau or shelf without need of the “ring” bracket.

Many, man , many house “fires” were caused by ….. tipped over and broken kerosene lamps ….. thus that “ring” wall mount bracket was a kinda “safety feature”.

[mart]

I have never ran across any like those !!

[jacon4]

Many, man , many house “fires” were caused by ….. tipped over and broken kerosene lamps ….. thus that “ring” wall mount bracket was a kinda “safety feature”.

Yeah, matter of fact, whale oil lamps put candle stands out of business, those 3 leg stands for candles just didn't cut it for oil or later kerosene lamps & so 4 leg "light stands" were born. They are referred to as "work stands" today and most are incredibly affordable for beginning furniture collectors and very plentiful as well, millions were built throughout the 19th century to safely support oil lamps. It makes sense that they would have sturdy wall brackets to raise and support these lamps, especially in hallways for example.

[mart]

Even the smallest one I have would not fit in those !!  Most of mine are the footed pedestal types !!

[Rauville]

I would be using them for flower pots myself.
https://www.hayneedle.com/product/marshall-home-garden-flower-pot-holder.cfm?ltype=child&tid=MARH028-1

[jacon4]

Even the smallest one I have would not fit in those !!  Most of mine are the footed pedestal types !!

I'd say Mart is correct, the majority of 19th century oil lamps that survive are meant to be set on a table or 4 leg light stand however, if you google search these lamps, you see all kinds of oil lamps. Oil lamps that hang on chains like a chandelier, lamps that were wall hung, even floor oil lamps with a pole. Still, judging by the vast number of 4 leg light stands that survive, i'd guess most people had table models.