Soldier’s Iron Spike Candle Holder recovered at Williamsburg, VA Battlefield

This is another interesting piece being offered, it is an Iron Spike Candle Stick. It measures 1 ½” x 2” and has the socket on one end for the candle, and an iron spike on the other to pound into a piece of wood or ground. It was dug last year at the Williamsburg, VA Battlefield.

After the Confederate retreat from Yorktown, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan sent forward his III Corps to pursue the Confederates under Gen Joseph E. Johnston. The Union troops caught up with the Rebels four miles southeast of Williamsburg and attacked on May 5, 1862.

Heavy fighting ensued along Johnston’s defenses as both sides brought up reinforcements. The Confederates counterattacked the Union left, while the Federals gained ground on their right. That evening, Johnston pulled back and McClellan followed. The battle was inconclusive, but there were 2,283 Union casualties and 1,560 Confederate casualties.

These candle holders were very popular during the Civil War, most camp sutlers sold them. They are just about in every Civil War museum, and I also have one in my book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items” (see pictures).