I have come across these crucifix candlestick holders in books, but never before in ‘real life’. My children are Roman Catholics and I wondered if they would like to have this piece (they didn’t). Oh well.
There is an appendix devoted to these crucifixes in volume three of The Glass Candlestick Book by Tom Felt and Elaine & Rich Stoer. There are an astonishing number of variations on the theme. Felt and the Stoers indicate,”Glass candleholders depicting the crucifixion of Christ originated with [the] earliest American pattern glass companies. Boston and Sandwich, the New England Glass Company, McKee and many others from the New England, Pittsburgh, and Ohio areas produced them from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s.”
If you have a chance to review this appendix, it is highly recommended. These candleholders have been lavishly photographed and some are very beautiful.
This particular piece was likely produced in Factory C – Challinor, Taylor – circa 1891-1919. It came in three sizes and this piece is considered no. 4 sue to its height of 8 1/2 inches.
Felt & the Stoers comment that the rock-like base, floral design around the cup and wood grain of the cross make this one of the more ornate crucifix designs.
