Repoussé Bougie Box, Traveling Candleholder

A rare early 19th-century brass bougie box, richly decorated with repoussé ornament and designed as an elegant, portable source of light. These compact candleholders stored short wax tapers inside the cylindrical body, with the lid doubling as a small candle socket—perfect for writing letters, sealing correspondence, or moving through a dim hallway at night.

This example features a beautifully cast and heavily embossed base with scrolling acanthus motifs, a smooth cylindrical chamber with stylized decoration, and the classic early silhouette associated with French and English travel lighting. The small twin apertures on either side of the cylindrical chamber are characteristic of early bougie boxes, originally serving as ventilation for the interior taper compartment and as guide points for the inner lift mechanism that raised the short candles.

Origin: Likely English or French, c. early 19th century.
Material: Cast and repoussé brass.
Dimensions: 3" x 3".
Condition: Good antique condition with expected wear for age. Light rubbing, minor surface marks, and warm patination throughout. Lid fits properly. No repairs noted. Stable and ready for display.