I recently acquired 4 nice pieces of early iron lighting from a local estate of a long-time collector.  From that collection, here is a pendant candle holder or loom light.  These were often hung from a horizontal iron rod fastened to the front of a loom to provide light for the weaver.  This one is lovely with its twisted rod (twisted in two places to offset the straight four-sided rod in between) and a simple candle cup with an overlapped seam.

The first discovery of American bog iron was made in 1630 near what is now the town of Saugus, Massachusetts.  A primitive smelter was built and Colonists began to manufacture iron utensils and probably Betty lamps like the ones they first brought over on the Mayflower.  As colonization spread through the colonies, so did iron foundries.  By the eighteenth century, grease lamps had pretty much been replaced by rush or splint holders and candleholders.  Please note, however, I do not know whether this candleholder is American.  It has features of some American-made iron lighting, but the great majority of the iron lighting that we have collected and loved for the last century or more were brought here from England and the Continent.  The candle doesn't come with the loom light....it is something I bought at some show to use for decoration....this type doesn't burn well anyway as it is rolled in some type of spice to give it the grungy look....the spices will catch fire.  This is a really lovely piece that will look great in any early setting.  No signs of repair or restoration.  Circa 18th century.

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