We first must say that we have been collecting Antique Christmas Tree Ornaments for 48+ years and have never encountered a tin Candle Holder that was any more figural than one with fancy embossed flourishes – that is until we recently purchased a small collection of truly Figural Spring Clip Candle Holders. These Candle Clips are simply fantastic and you can be sure we have kept a number of examples for our own collection!!

    This charming, Figural Christmas Tree Candle Clip measures approx. 1 1/2” tall and 1 1/8" wide at its widest point. It is made of tin and each side of the Clip features an embossed depiction of a large Bunch of Grapes attached to grape leaves at the top. The surface is hand painted with purple and green japanning.

    The two sides of the Clip are hinged together and between them there is a spring form candle holder. When the Clip is opened by applying pressure at the top of each side, the “jaws” at the bottom open so that the Clip can be attached upright on the branch of a Christmas Tree. In the late 19th and early 20th century, Christmas Trees were often decorated with lit candles and Figural Clips like the one offered here were used to attach the candles to the branches of the tree.

    This original, 19th century, Figural Tin Christmas Tree Candle Clip is in very good condition. The Clip is intact and sound with no physical damage or repairs of any kind. The spring hinge is strong and the Clip functions as manufactured. The Christmas Tree Candle Clip retains significant remnants of its original, hand painted japanning with some wear as can be seen in the scans below. Please see the scans below for a good representation of the form and condition of this charming Figural Christmas Tree Candle Clip / Holder.

    A rare and wonderful, ca1890’s Tin Figural Christmas Tree Candle Holder / Clip in the form of a Cluster of Grapes and a fantastic addition to any collection!!!

    Please see this seller’s other auctions for two other FANTASTIC, 19th century Figural Christmas Tree Candle Holders / Clips which are also being offered for sale this week on eBay!!