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Combination Lock Candlestick 1889 - 2012aug - Mining Hard goods/Important Mining Publications

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Western Americana Start Price:12,500.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
Combination Lock Candlestick 1889 - 2012aug - Mining Hard goods/Important Mining Publications
Invoicing and lot pick up will NOT be available at the live auction.
A folding hook spike and thimble model with combination. Length 5.5" closed, 8.5"open. Stamped C.H. GARLAND MAKER APRIL 1, 1889. Made with steel, with brass inserts on handle. One of two known locking candlesticks. It is not known why this type of candlestick was made. The first assumption is that the owner of such a stick wanted to make sure no one else would use it. The date of April 1, (April Fools Day) would also suggest an elaborate practical joke [Ref: Wilson & Bobrink]. It's more likely, according to the same source, that it was made to showcase the blacksmith's skill. In this case, again according to Wilson & Bobrink, it was possibly crafted by a gunsmith. According to the instructions in Wilson & Bobrink's publication, "To open the clasp, the numbered knob nearest the spike must be set (the knob next to it is an inoperative dummy), and the thimble must be rotated to the proper setting. This aligns a post from the thimble with a slot from the knob inside and releases the clasp." The craftsmanship on this piece is exceptional and as mentioned earlier, it is one of two that are known to exist, so to say it is rare would be a gross understatement. Wilson 254, RCS 83. - Ken & Rosemary Roberts Collection -59138