? For my reenactment and history friends

[GoodOlBoy]

Ok guys. I am looking for a item I once saw in a old book (can't find the book) It was a small metal box with a candle on one side that would stand up when the lid was opened. It only took up about a third or fourth of the box from what I remember and was about a finger length (maybe a bit more) in length. I WANT to say there was a fire starter of some sort in the box, but I am not certain. This could have been for a wax seal, again not certain. All I can remember is that it was "pocket" sized and would have been from around the revolutionary war, mountain man, maybe even civil war era. I seem to remember it being associated with a portable writing desk in what I read, but again not certain.

Any ideas? Any help?

Searches so far bring up every cheap piece of garbage modern "vintage" candle in a tin can, how to pour your own candles, and a plethora of other non-related miscellanea. I am guessing it uses a term, name, or nomenclature that I just don't know.

This is purely a question to help settle my mind which has become locked on this item as of late, and is driving me crazy.

Thanks

Richard

[wrenchman]

Stonebridge candel lantern might be what you are looking for I just seen one in a mag

[GoodOlBoy]

Neat lantern, but not what I was looking for (might work for me though)

Was talking with dad about it last night and he mentioned he thought that the other 2/3 of the empty space in the "lid" had a mirror in it. This was basically a small tin or copper box that the lid raised up on to about 90 degrees (maybe a bit more) with the candle on one side. When looking directly at it I believe the candle was on the left of the box but I could be wrong. More and more I am thinking I saw this as part of the writing/portable desk kit for a officer, or other important person, from around the revolutionary war era. I would almost swear, at this point, that it had something to do with writing correspondence and using sealing wax. Hrmmmm.... the stonebridge lantern gives me another good lead though, thanks much.

Richard

[GoodOlBoy]

wrenchman thanks for the info, it wound up leading to a colonial era folding candle box with a horn panel. VERY similar to what I remember, except that it folds a different direction. I am guessing the one I am remembering was simply a design from a specific craftsman of the era.

Again, thanks.

Richard

[wrenchman]

No problim you are just lucky I could remember it lol

[GoodOlBoy]

Hey I hear you. To this minute I cannot remember where the heck I read and saw the thing in the first place....

My remember-er is broke, and my forget-er is stuck at full throttle....

Richard

[wrenchman]

I did like the stonebridge it would be nice for tent camp deer camp propain and fuel lanterns can be a pain.

[GoodOlBoy]

Yep I agree, for a solid camp it would be very nice. Particularly if you are using decent candles. Once upon a time I could get beeswax candles from a place called the Marjon candle factory in Georgetown Texas that burned at a fairly steady 1 inch per hour, 3/4 if there wasn't a draft or breeze of any sort. Unfortunately the last time I was in the area the factory had changed it's name, and was closed the day I went through. Anyway those candles were perfect for candle lanterns, hurricane lamps, etc.

Richard