Thanks Jem! I like the primitive look and methods because I like holding history in my hands, so I am quite happy with your assessment. Since you seem to have a handle on brass, could I get your opinion on this brass pitcher? What puzzles me is the mottled look, which does NOT go away with vigorous polishing. Is that due to a higher copper content, or perhaps some sort of chemical wash? (The latter was suggested by a local jeweler) It's one of my favorites.

Jem, I don't want to debunk an assessment that I favor, but the top flange might not be as thick as it appears in that first photo. The lip is rolled over a bit.

And here is a better view of the shaft/elevator.

Bradley....that's not a "hog scraper" but a chamber stick. The hog scraper candlesticks are more primitive and thinner. I am guessing the date to be early 20th century....mainly because of the push up aspect. Candles during that time were on site molded and had to sit deep in the holder....and were expensive and a push up was necessary to use the last bit.
Nice candlestick!!

Thanks for chiming in. Since I posted this back in March, I have indeed found that it is called a chamberstick. Using the search terms "brass chamberstick" on Ebay, etsy and Rubylane I am getting mixed assessments that range from 1780s to 1880s for identical items, though that does not necessarily mean they all are correct. Whatever its age I think I can boastfully call myself a "thief' for getting it for only $5. I just checked an e-bay listing for one just like it. It sold for $110, though it had originally been priced at $300. (I knew they would not get that) In any case, I am NOT selling. I like it!

Yep....you stole it!

Thank you for the compliment, my dear. I glow with pride. LMAO