Elvira

Price: $650

 

Woods:

Crown: Chakte viga, African blackwood

 

Twist: Flamewood

 

Base: Chakte viga, African blackwood, maple burl

 

The Twist: double rope

 

Number of pieces: 45

 

Dimensions:
21 in x 7.5 in (53.3 cm x 19.1 cm)

 

Notes: This candlestick features a twist of flamewood, a southeast Asian rosewood, probably Dalbergia colchinchinensis. Flamewood has become virtually impossible to obtain in the last few years. I have a standing eBay search for this wood that has not had a hit in more than a year. My previous source in Northern California listed only one set of pen blanks the last time I checked. I have one modest-sized board that I purchased about 10 years ago, and when it is gone, that will be it for me. This is a shame, since flamewood has such a brilliant orange color and a wonderful sweet smell when it is worked. Over exploitation for high end furniture by China is the cause of its rarity (see my Conservation page), and all southeast Asian rosewoods now have a CITES II ban, so this candlestick cannot be sold outside of the United States.

 

Price: $650