06/12/2023
SOLD
Just a wonderful example of an early lighting device. This is a forged iron cresset lighting device. This cresset dates the 18th century. Cressets have been used as lighting devices since Roman times and in America from the Pilgrim era. This cresset is 18 1/2” tall with a 7” diameter forged strap iron (not tinned sheet iron) base that is 6 1/2” tall. It has a forged iron staff holder that is folded and peened to the base. There is a hole 1 1/2” down for a nail to hold the staff. The 1 3/16” wide forged iron bands form the base and are fastened with peened rivets with irregular slotted heads. The inside of the basket is blacked, evidence of having fire inside the “basket”. Possibly American, 18th century, rare form. Cressets were used as parade lights, stuck in river banks for night fishing, and secured to boat sides for nighttime fishing lighting. The would burn resinous knots, oil soaked rags or wood, etc. In Roman times, most large hallways and castles were lit with cressets along the walls. If interested please message me or it is listed on my DIG ANTIQUES website at:
http://www.forget-me-not-antiques.com
