Candle moulds

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These two pewter candle moulds date from the 17th century. They come from Kirkwall in Orkney and were probably made in mainland Europe.

The candle moulds consist of slightly conical cylinders with shaped ends. The candle wicks would first have been dropped into each mould through the hole in the top. The wicks would then have been held in place while the wax was poured in. When the wax dried it shrank slightly, allowing the candles to be easily removed from the moulds.

This form of candle production was first developed in mainland Europe in the 15th century.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-158-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MGJ 11
• Date: 17th century
  17th century
  
• Material: Pewter
  Pewter
  Mould, candle
  Mould, candle
  
• Dimensions: 14.50" L x 0.90" D
  16.75" L x 0.90" D
  
• What: Mould, candle
  Mould, candle
  
• Subject: Candlemaking equipment and candles (NMAS Classification)
  Candlemaking equipment and candles (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Kirkwall
  Scotland, Orkney, Kirkwall
  
• Event:
• Description: Candle mould of pewter, from Kirkwall, Orkney, 17th century
  Candle mould of pewter, from Kirkwall, Orkney, 17th century
  
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