Candle Mold
19th century (Date manufactured/created)
Tin
11 in H
More candles could be made in a shorter amount of time by using molds instead of hand-dipping. Wicks were suspended in the center of each opening from a stick or wire laid across the top of the mold. The wicks were threaded through the small holes at the bottom and held taught by tying a knot. The mold was then filled with melted tallow (animal fat). Once the candles cooled and hardened, the mold was quickly dipped into hot water to melt the outer surface of the candles and allow them to be pulled out of the mold. This mold, made in New England, produced a dozen candles at a time.
Donated by Mary Anne Norton of Guilford in 1903
HW1903.020