Candelabrum (2) - Nickel plated brass - Porcelain candelabras

Two porcelain fake candles (also called Perpetual or Chemical Candles) set in a metal frame. Inside there is a tank for petrol designed to prevent wax from leaking, keeping the candle’s appearance always intact. At the top of the candle there is a wick that regulates the flame, operated by turning a small wheel on the base. Attached to this wheel is a chain with a cap used to extinguish the flame. It should be noted that one of the two candelabra is missing its wick. The two candles were made in Austria (Austro-Hungarian Empire) in the late 19th century, 1870–1890. On the shaft of the candle there is a mark containing some German inscriptions: K.K.PRIV. is the abbreviation of Kaiserlich-Konigliche-Privilegium, i.e., “Imperial-Royal Privilege,” which was the equivalent of our modern industrial patent. FABRIKS MARKE (factory mark) serves to certify the official registration of the logo to protect against counterfeits of the time. E.BIANCHI is the name of Egidio Bianchi, a well-known pharmacist and merchant from Mantua (at that time under Austrian rule). The six-pointed star has no religious or political meaning; it is simply a geometric decorative element symbolizing artisanal excellence.