Featured Just a chamberstick, wondered if anyone knew how old it could be xx

Hi all, didn't realy want to start a thread for such a humble item as this but curiousity got the better of me xx
Is it tin do you think? It's very light but doesn't feel like aluminium though I am not sure I even know what that feels like. It's painted obviously and very faded. I bet it was VERY beautiful and colourful when it was new xx
Just wondered if anyone could tell when it was made though I s'pose a chambersick is a chamberstick? But I do know you are all demons with knowledge x

 

I don't actually know anything, but suspect you are right about painted tin. Either saw very active use or has been badly treated in storage. When were such things last needed by most people? See some articles described as tole painted.

 

Thanks Cuz...wish I could have seen it when it was shiny!

 

Tin plated steel,can you post a better photo of the "gold" design it looks a little like Chinese.

 

I think it is very pretty, in spite of the condition issues.
The design looks Orientalist, and I think tin is right, cold painted. Date 1860s-80s maybe?
Maybe @afantiques knows the period.

 

Bargeware, by the look of it. Or at least, made to look that way, I suspect it's transfer printed. mid to late 19th. Give it a careful wipe with a soft damp cloth and a smear of clear wax.

 

The poor thing looks like someone's had at it with steel wool.

 

I think the pattern around the base of the neck looks quite lovely, and I too am reminded of an oriental design. It must have been beautiful when it was new. Are you planning to remove the modern cork, or does that help keep the neck in shape?

 

I'm leaving well alone! It doesn't hurt where it is and hate to think what may happen if I take it out xx

Again thank you to all my friends, this is another thing I have that I love so all info very gratefully recieved.
Still got a houseful of un id'ed stuff so I shall be back!

Tis a great pity someone tried to clean it like you say evelyb,with wire wool ( tis what it looks like to me too )

 

I hesitate to take issue with OBB but in my opinion it is far too intricate for bargeware and resembles more decorated papier mache objects or toleware.

 

It's certainly intricate. Do you think it's printed? Looks it to me.

 

It's dark as the grave here today but as I am ( always) clueless, shall I try and take clearer pics so maybe you can tell?

I looked at bargewear and this does look as if the patterns are smaller,and more delicate .
I'll go and see if I can take pictures,thanks as ever x x

 

That's what I thought. Bargeware is folk art, with a really rustic quality. And no oriental influences that I know of.

 

Oh goodness,it has WRITING on it!






This is really exciting! Love finding stuff like this.like a message from people gone,pic with writing on !!

All I can see is AT STATIONERS F ( I think) and can't see any thing else xxx

 

...tenel at stationers farl..., or faxl...., or baxl...?
I'm sure someone will be able to solve the riddle.

 

Do hope so,love mysteries like this!

 

Stationers Hall is a place in London, it's been there quite a while, so could be I s'pose xx