Pair of Vintage Brass Church Altar Oil Candlesticks – Refillable Faux Candles – 14”

A beautiful matching pair of vintage church altar candlesticks featuring polished brass bases, coordinating brass top fixtures, and tall white nylon faux-candle shells. Originally designed for liturgical use, these elegant candlesticks offer the traditional appearance of tall altar candles without the dripping and shortening associated with conventional wax candles.

Unlike traditional candles, the white candle portion is actually a durable hollow nylon reservoir designed to hold liquid paraffin candle oil. The brass top unscrews to allow the reservoir to be filled with the appropriate liquid paraffin. A wick passes through the brass burner at the top and draws the oil upward to create the flame. Once filled, the wick is allowed time to become saturated before lighting. This refillable design allows the “candle” to maintain its original height and appearance rather than burning down like wax. 

These would be beautiful displayed in a traditional, European, Gothic, or collected vintage interior. Their history as church altar pieces also makes them wonderful architectural or ecclesiastical décor for a mantel, console, dining table, or dramatic holiday display.

Condition: Nice vintage condition with age-related wear and patina consistent with previous use. These candlesticks have not been tested. I have not removed the brass tops or opened the reservoirs, so I cannot confirm whether any liquid paraffin or other fuel remains inside. They are being sold as found, and functionality is not guaranteed. Please review all photos carefully, as they are considered part of the description.

Measurements: Approximately 14” tall each.

How They Are Designed to Work: The brass burner/follower at the top is removed, liquid paraffin candle oil is added to the hollow nylon reservoir, and the brass top is replaced. The wick absorbs the fuel and, once properly saturated, can be lit much like a traditional candle. Manufacturer instructions for comparable refillable altar candles recommend using the appropriate liquid paraffin formulated for refillable candles and allowing the wick to saturate before lighting. 

A striking pair with wonderful vintage church character—equally beautiful preserved for their original purpose or repurposed as distinctive home décor.