Posted 10 years ago
jdford
(1 item)
This candle has a history in our family. It was my mother's when she was a little girl, so it likely dates from the 1950s or 1960s...1970s at the very latest. It sat in our house each Christmas my entire life, until last year when it shattered. My mother was heartbroken. I've been trying to find a replacement ever since. Unfortunately they threw away the pieces before I could try to identify the item. It stood about eight inches tall and was surprisingly heavy. I'd say it was about 4-5 inches wide. There was a clear glass insert where you could place a small candle and that also held the crushed glass or acrylic pieces you can see in the photo. The outside was blue glass and you can see it had frosted cutouts for the nativity scene, which glowed with the candlelight.
I've been searching online and found only one at an ebay auction in 2012. Sadly, I was too late to purchase it. This photo is not of the original, but from that auction. So I have some hope that other pieces might still exist out there somewhere. If I could just learn who made this candle, maybe the year it was made, I might have a better chance of tracking another down. I can't think of a greater, more sentimental gift for my mother.
Any help identifying this candle holder would be immensely appreciated.
Beautiful!!!
the closest I find is a product called Animates by L E Smith Glass from the era you mention that might possibly match. I found one with measurements stating it was 6" H x 4" W. A problem with finding a replacement is that most often the box was discarded so the name and maker wouldn't be known. So one possible search would also be footed glass nativity scene candle holder, or variations of that search. Good luck and be patient.
Dear TallCakes,
You did it! It's definitely an L.E. Smith product, from a line called "Crystolites".
I have not yet been able to find the Nativity version, but I DID find one with a different Christmas scene in the EXACT same blue color. I'll never be able to replace the exact item that was lost, so I feel that something a little different but very, very similar is almost more fitting (of course, I will keep looking for the same model...can't give up, it's just such a beautiful piece in addition to the intense nostalgia involved).
You've given me the push I needed to find the absolute PERFECT Christmas gift for my mother. It just might be the greatest thing I've ever given her. I cannot adequately express my gratitude, except to say God bless, and Merry Christmas!
@jdford did you ever find the nativity version of the crystolite? Picked up one this week. Someone helped to save my sentimental vintage dreams in the past, so thought I would check and return the favor!
for those interested here's an example with original box:
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-e-smith-glass-crystolites-3763835763
L.E. Smith also had another similar product called 'Animates":
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-e-smith-animated-christmas-3819673845