Wrought iron and wood spiral courting candle holders

These spiral courting candle holders, also known as 'adjustable spiral candlesticks,' originated in Colonial America during the 18th and 19th centuries. The spiral design allowed parents to adjust the height of the candle to control how long a suitor could visit their daughter—when the candle burned down to the metal holder, it was time for the visitor to leave. The wrought iron spiral sits on a turned wooden base, combining functionality with rustic craftsmanship. These traditional items have become popular collectibles among enthusiasts of early American folk art and historical home decor. They appeal to collectors of colonial-era artifacts and those interested in historical courtship customs, valued both for their practical ingenuity and the cultural story they represent.