Summary

Tin box printed with image of army camp, containing two candles, a box of matches and a candlestick holder. It is subtitled 'A Soldier's Friend'. The candles are unused; one has distorted over time.

The Australian War Memorial explains that camp pocket candlestick was apparently made in Australia from 1915 (it was patented 9/7/1915), and could be purchased by Australian troops prior to their departure overseas. The tin was intended to keep the contents dry and readily available, and the lid may have helped shield the flame from wind. Note that the Australian War Memorial's two examples have losses from the front, as does this example. The fact that the camp pocket candlestick was intended to be taken to war perhaps explains its poor condition, although the fact that it remains unused suggests otherwise.

Candles - sometimes within lanterns - were often used for illumination in World War I. Other forms of fuel were also used. Battery torches were available, although battery replacement may have been challenging in war zones.

Physical Description

Rectangular metal tin with hinged lid, depicting a printed image of three soldiers standing in a military camp. There are tents visible in the middle ground and trees in the distance. The edges and base of the tin are printed with a green tartan. Within the tin are two wax candles (one misshapen and melted) flanking a box of matches. A hole in the base of the tin would function as a candle holder.

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