Rare Arts & Crafts Carved Oak Ratchet Adjustable Candle Stand
A sculptural and deeply expressive Arts & Crafts candle stand, carved entirely by hand and animated by an ingenious ratchet mechanism.
Both furniture and functional artwork, this rare oak piece embodies the movement’s devotion to craftsmanship, honesty of materials, and beauty in utility.
Key Features
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Authentic Arts & Crafts period example (circa 1860–1910)
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Intricately chip-carved solid oak throughout
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Functional “saw-tooth” ratchet height adjustment mechanism
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Striking star-shaped base with square tapered legs
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Richly carved capital and detailing on every surface
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Sculptural, stool-like form with architectural presence
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Practical yet decorative candle or lighting stand
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Museum-quality craftsmanship — genuinely one of a kind
Full Description
This rare Arts & Crafts carved oak adjustable candle stand is a remarkable survival from a period defined by integrity, hand craftsmanship, and reverence for natural materials. Standing tall and commanding, it transcends mere function to become a sculptural focal point within an interior.
Every surface of the stand is profusely chip-carved, revealing the hand of a skilled craftsman and the unmistakable language of the Arts & Crafts movement. The carvings are confident and rhythmic rather than ornamental for ornament’s sake, giving the piece depth, shadow, and tactile warmth.
Its defining feature is the ingenious saw-tooth ratchet mechanism, allowing the height to be adjusted with ease. This clever engineering reflects the movement’s philosophy: beauty and practicality working in harmony. The candle stand can be raised dramatically for visual impact or lowered for a more intimate setting, making it unusually versatile for an antique piece.
The star-shaped base, supported by square tapered legs, provides both stability and visual balance. Above, the richly carved column rises to a finely detailed capital, ensuring the craftsmanship remains consistent from base to top. From every angle, this stand rewards close inspection.
Whether used as a candle stand, an accent lighting base, or a purely decorative sculptural object, it carries the quiet authority of honest materials and purposeful design. Pieces of this quality and originality are increasingly rare, particularly with such well-preserved carving and mechanical function.
Dimensions
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Height: Approx. 160.5 cm (maximum adjustment) / 100 cm (lowest setting)
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Width: Approx. 26 cm
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Depth: Approx. 25 cm
Materials
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Solid oak
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Hand chip-carved throughout
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Traditional joinery
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Original ratchet (saw-tooth) adjustment mechanism
Condition
As with all authentic antiques, this piece shows signs of age and honest use. There is visible patina, surface wear, minor marks, and tonal variation consistent with its age and history. These characteristics enhance its authenticity and visual depth. Overall condition is very good and entirely commensurate with a genuine Arts & Crafts period piece.
Unless stated, any props or accessories shown are not included.
Origin / Period
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Period: Arts & Crafts
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Date: Circa 1860–1910
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Origin: English
Styling Suggestions
This carved oak candle stand works beautifully in Arts & Crafts, Gothic Revival, and country house interiors. Position it beside a fireplace, within a panelled hallway, or as a sculptural accent in a reading corner. It also pairs strikingly with linen upholstery, aged leather, wrought iron, and warm ambient lighting.
FAQ
What was this piece originally used for?
Originally designed as an adjustable candle or light stand, it allowed illumination to be raised or lowered depending on need — a highly practical feature before widespread electric lighting.
Is the ratchet mechanism fully functional?
Yes, the original saw-tooth ratchet mechanism remains functional and allows smooth height adjustment.
Is this a unique piece?
Yes. Due to the level of hand carving and individual craftsmanship, this stand is entirely one of a kind.
Can it be used in modern interiors?
Absolutely. Its sculptural form and natural materials allow it to sit comfortably in both traditional and contemporary spaces.
Unique Points
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Rare adjustable Arts & Crafts candle stand
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Exceptional hand carving on all surfaces
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Functional original ratchet mechanism
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Strong architectural presence
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Museum-quality craftsmanship
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Increasingly scarce collector’s piece
All your questions answered below...
- Fully insured delivery
- Returns accepted
- Authenticity assured
- UK-based seller, secure checkout
Delivery & Shipping Information
We’re dedicated to delivering every order with care, reliability, and your satisfaction at the heart of what we do.
Fully insured UK mainland delivery is calculated at checkout (typically £12–£45). Larger furniture items may be £60+ depending on item size, access, and delivery postcode.
Please note: the listed price is for the item only. Delivery costs are calculated separately at checkout.
UK Delivery (Mainland)
We are based in Southsea, Portsmouth (PO5) and deliver nationwide across the UK.
Delivery charges are calculated based on the item’s size, weight, and destination to ensure the most accurate and fair pricing.
Free local delivery may be available depending on your location — please get in touch to check availability.
Delivery Areas & Coverage
We deliver to most UK regions and aim to provide the most efficient and cost-effective delivery options available.
For delivery addresses north of Newcastle, or within Wales, Scotland, the Highlands, Ireland, and offshore islands, please contact us before purchasing so we can confirm delivery availability and provide an accurate quote.
International Shipping
We can arrange international shipping worldwide.
Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote.
Delivery Times & Method
Delivery typically takes 5–10 working days, depending on location and order timing.
We use trusted specialist furniture couriers experienced in transporting antiques, vintage furniture, and fragile items, ensuring safe handling throughout transit.
Standard delivery is one-man delivery to ground floor only.
Assistance may be required unless a two-man delivery service is arranged at an additional cost.
Need a Delivery Quote?
For an accurate delivery quote or to confirm any additional charges, please contact us via:
📞 +44 (0) 7973 154860
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✉️ Email us with your full delivery postcode
We can ship to most places. We have the ability to to send consignments Internationally and they are all professionally wrapped, packed and or crated for a safe and successful journey.
There is going to be additional costs and lead times depending on various factors.
The best advice is to get a quote before you decide to purchase any item/s.
Listed in every product description are the dimensions for each product.
This information is provided so you can check if the piece you wish to buy will fit in your home.
Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Any questions please get in touch, here to help.
If you would like to speak to someone before placing an order, check dimensions or have a general question, please call Mark on 07973 154860.
You can email mark (@) campbellvintage.co.uk
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Office Address: 71 Campbell Road, Southsea, PO5 1RJ. By appointment only to this address. Need to be booked in advance.
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Our products come with a guarantee stating they are as described when purchased.
As all our products are either antiques or vintage and have a life before we got them, we do not offer traditional warranties due to the nature of the items and history.
Please inspect the many images we provide online to be sure you want the item offered before purchasing.
The condition of each product is noted on all products in the main description. Please read this so you are clear on what you are buying.
If you have any questions however small beforehand and to give yourself peace of mind, please make contact. As we are very happy to discuss anything in greater detail.
One last thing! Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Here to help.
We hope you will be happy with your purchase. If for any reason you are unhappy, you may return the item/items to us within 14 days. Please notify us within 14 days.
You will need to arrange for the safe return of any item or items purchased. Please ensure the goods are returned in the same condition as sent to you.
You will be responsible for all return cost.
Once we have received your return, we will refund you the cost of the item/items, less any initial delivery and packaging costs, within 14 days.
Last of all, if returning an item, please advise us when we are likely to expect the item. We can then book this in and make sure we are available to except the item.
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Trade sale. Sold as seen. No returns.