Penelope Pimm Antiques & Particulars
American Folk Art * Antiques * Primitives * Fine Reproduction Goodes
"Wife, make thine own candle,Spare penny to handle.
Provide for thy tallow ere frost cometh in,
And make thine own candle ere winter begin."
~ Thomas Tusser
The making of the winter's stock of candles was a special (albeit laborious) autumnal household duty. Candles made of tallow (rendered animal fat) were among the first to be produced in the early Colonies.
“A tallow candle, to be good, must be half
Sheep's Tallow and half Cow's; that of hoggs
mekes 'em gutter, give an ill smell, and a thick
black smoak'.” ~ Unknown, 18th century
The whitest tallow was obtained from the first skimming of the fat. As such, these candles were the finest quality and available to the wealthiest families. So precious were the candles that they were carefully packed in candle boxes, covered, and set in a dark place so that they would not discolour. Subsequent skimming of the fat tended to result in candles with a yellowish colour, and were used by the more “common folk.” When burned, tallow candles emitted an unpleasant odor, and because they were often fancied by rodents, were usually stored in boxes made of tin. Beeswax candles were ever so much preferred over tallow. They burned pure and clean, and produced the sweet scent of fresh honey.
~ Early Lighting ~
Additional candles may be found by clicking on the rush light!
 ~Lantern Lights ~ Lantern Lights were the early equivalent of the modern-day match. Wick was repeatedly, albeit sparingly, dipped in beeswax until a very thin candle was produced. Reserved for the Lady of the House, she would use them to light the household’s sources of light. These lantern lights are six inches long, black in colour with no shine, and a slight smoky scent. Being handmade, the appearance, and "wonky-ness" will vary. A small candlestick would be a perfect fit. $1.50 each |
 ~ Candle Stubs ~
Candles, being a precious commodity that they were never wasted, and were used right down to the stub. These hand-poured stubs give the appearance of a burned down candle without any waste! The stubs are brown or black in colour (your choice), with no shine, and have been rolled in spices giving them the aroma of a spice box. Each stub is between 1 and 1 1/2 inches in length. $2.00 each Please indicate your colour choice when ordering! |
 ~ Taper Candles ~ These tapers have been hand-poured in antique molds, and then rolled in spices to give them that perfect primitive appearance. They are six inches in length, and are available in three colours, Dark Cranberry, Mustard, and Primitive Cream (your choice, and you may mix and match.) $3.00 each Please indicate your colour choice when ordering! |
 ~ Candle "Shorties" ~ A shoppe favourite are candle shorties! Half the size (three inches in length) of the "grown-up" tapers that you see above, they too are rolled in spices to give a lumpy, bumpy appearance. They are available in Dark Cranberry only. $2.50 each |
 ~ Tallow Candle Stubs ~ A necessity for a primitive homestead! $ 9.00 each |
Additional candles may be found by clicking on the rush light!
