'A Soldier's friend' - Camp Pocket Candlestick

« Prev Item Next Item »

c. 1915

Overview

Rectangular metal box with a hinged lid featuring a printed graphic colour depiction of three Australian soldiers standing together in front of a military camp. One appears to be holding a pocket candlestick.
The border of the lid is decorated with a daisy pattern. The body of the tin is decorated in a yellow green tartan. The base has a small rectangular panel in the centre which reads 'Patented 19-7-15 No 16856'.
The inside of the tin is fitted with a pressed tin candle holder, located over a hole in the base, and a folded tin match holder. Both of these items are joined by tabs to the body of the tin.

There are two of these tins in the collection. The first has a used white candle and a partly used cardboard box of 'Bryant & May's AL. T. Igniters' contained within.
The second has two candles - a fluted variety and a cylindrical type - and a wooden box of 'Bryant & May's Crown Safety Matches'.

Historical information

This printed tinplate candleholder was patented and appears to have been made in Australia from 1915 onwards. It was available for private purchase to Australian troops prior to their departure overseas.
The purpose of the tin was to ensure the contents were kept dry and readily available. The lid also helped shield the direct flame of the candle from wind .
Many such tins have lost the detail from the cover illustration due to burning and subsequent rusting.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00172

Item type

Collectibles

Personal Effects

Themes

War and Conflict
War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Metal

Paint

String (Fiber Product)