Pocket Candlestick with Vesta

A brass Pocket Candlestick with Vesta case attached to the side.

This simple 'Go to Bed' portable candlestick is a known design, likely produced by a few different companies. This one is stamped Beaufils to the underside but we have also seen them marked Perry or without a name.

The candle sits on top of a sprung pad within the taller of the two tubes, held in place at the top by a cap with a bayonet twist fitting. This was a common method of ensuring that the candle stayed in the same position as it reduced in size through use. A further cap, held by the chain can be used as a snuffer and protects the candle tip when not in use.

The smaller tube next to that of the candle is for the vestas (matches). It also has a cap, held by the chain, to contain the matches when not in use. The serrated bar is used to join the two tubes together as well as a striker for the vestas. There are some small dents to the brass here and there through use and some verdigris to the bottom of the tubes. Some minor restoration has been made to the chain.

The name Beaufils, stamped to the underside of the larger tube, probably refers to Nicolas Louis Beaufils of Paris, who is known to have also invented a safety lamp in 1869 with Jacques Rexroth. French, mid to late 19th Century.