Images(2)

Sconce

Dateca.1750-1850

OriginAmerica or Europe

MediumTinned sheet iron, iron wire and solder

DimensionsHeight: 9 1/2" Width: 6 3/4" Depth: 4 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1947-270

DescriptionTinned sheet iron wall sconce composed of four components including a high, arch-topped back plate with a large suspension hole at the top and a wired outer edge. Its semicircular bottom plate has a turned edge where it is soldered to the wire-edged side wall. An open candle socket with a folded lip is soldered to the center of the bottom.Label TextThough dark and dull now, this unadorned sconce was brilliant and silvery when new. In an age illuminated by candlelight, the "tin" sconce was superior to other sorts of candle holders in certain applications. Quick to make and inexpensive to purchase, such a sconce could rest on a table as easily as it could be hung on a wall. Its seemingly oversize back plate served two purposes: it simultaneously protected the wall from the flame and soot of the candle and reflected light back into the room it was brightening.