When were coil candles invented?

[onegroovydude]

Hi. I just bought this antique looking, ornate silver rope candle holder, and am wondering when rope candles, or coil candles were invented. Knowing when they were invented will help me pin down a date of creation on the holder. Thanks.

[onegroovydude]

I figured it out. What I have is called a: "Wax Jack". It was used from the 1700's to the early 1900's. It is made of pewter, and has a roll of wax wound onto it like a spool, and when lit, it dripped onto the back of envelopes to seal them. Often accompanied by a special stamper, when the wax was heated, and poured on the envelope, the stamp would create an image out of the wax onto the back, sealing it, and making it very difficult to secretly open without breaking the wax. I can post a picture of it later if anyone is interested in seeing it.

[Vicky_CO]

That is some good trivia I would like to see a picture.

[candlemama]

That sounds really interesting. I'd love to see a photo, too.

[debratant]

I would love to see a pic too

[barbaranj]

Just google Wax Jack (images) and you will see what they look like......very interesting indeed!

[Alajane]

I have one of those I bought a few years ago from HSN (of course, mine's not antique, but I just got it because it was cool-looking! I love it.

[radellaf]

Is this pretty much the same idea?

"Simply feed the pliable natural beeswax coil through the spring-loaded clip in 3" increments. Candle will burn brightly and soot-free for about an hour, then snuff itself out."

Isn't made for sealing letters, but unless the coils in the wax jacks are wickless, sure seems like a close cousin to them.