The Shipping Candler: A Historical Trade Explained

what was a shipping candler

Shipping candles is the process of sending candles from one location to another using delivery services. The process involves proper packaging to ensure the candles remain intact and secure during transit. This includes using boxes with corrugated cardboard, filling empty spaces with packing materials like packing peanuts or eco-friendly bio peanuts, and wrapping candles individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent breakage or melting. Shipping candlers, or chandlers, were historically responsible for candle-making and selling to ship officers and seamen, who were natural consumers of candles. The term 'chandlery' originally referred to the office or room in a wealthy medieval household responsible for wax and candles. Over time, chandlers expanded their offerings beyond candle-making to include other nautical maintenance supplies for ships.

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A shipping candler was a person in charge of candles in a large house

A shipping candler, or simply a 'chandler', was a person in charge of candles in a large house. The term 'chandlery' originally referred to the office in a wealthy medieval household responsible for wax and candles, as well as the room where the candles were kept. The role of the chandler was important in a time before electric lighting, when candle production was often done privately.

The job function and title, 'chandler', still exists today for those who work in the chandlery business or manage a chandler's shop. In the past, chandlers' main customers were ship officers, acting on behalf of shipowners. As a result, chandlers also began to sell other items that ships and seamen needed, such as soap (a by-product of candle-making) and nautical maintenance supplies.

The term 'chandelier' also originates from the word 'chandler', referring to a ceiling fixture that once held multiple candles.

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They were also known as chandlers and existed in medieval times

In medieval times, a 'chandler' was a craftsman who made candles—an important trade in the days before electric lighting. The process of making candles typically involved the use of either tallow (animal fat) or beeswax. Tallow chandlers, who worked with animal fat, were generally avoided due to the unpleasant smell of their production process and the odour emitted when their candles were burned. On the other hand, beeswax candles were preferred by those who could afford them, including the Church and the aristocracy, making beeswax chandlery a lucrative business.

Chandlers in medieval times existed within a guild system. Guilds were organisations of craftsmen that formed in the early Middle Ages to regulate trades and provide tradesmen with a voice in local governments. There were separate guilds for tallow and wax chandlers, and some of these guilds, such as the Wax Chandlers Company, have survived into the present day as retail companies and charitable organisations.

The role of the chandler expanded over time, and by the 18th century, most commercial chandlers dealt in candles, oils, soap, and even paint. As these goods were often supplied to ships, chandlers became associated with the nautical industry, and the term 'ship chandler' emerged to describe a supplier of a ship's stores.

Today, the term 'chandlery' can refer to a candle business or a shop selling nautical items for ships and boats. The job function and title, 'chandler', still exist for those who work in the chandlery business or manage a chandler's shop.

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Their main customers were ship officers, who needed candles for sailing

A ship chandler, or simply a chandler, is a person who manages a chandlery business or a chandler's shop. The term 'chandlery' originally referred to the office in a wealthy medieval household that was responsible for wax and candles, as well as the room where the candles were kept. In modern times, the term 'chandlery' can refer to a candle business.

Before the advent of electric lighting, the production of candles was often done privately, and the role of a chandler was closely connected with other household offices such as the ewery and the scullery.

While the specific history of ship chandlers is not readily available, it can be inferred that their main customers were ship officers who needed candles for sailing. Sailing ships, especially in medieval times, would have relied on candles for lighting.

Today, candles are still shipped and delivered by companies like USPS, FedEx, and UPS, and they make great gifts for loved ones. Proper packaging is crucial to ensure candles are delivered intact and without melting. This includes using sturdy boxes, filling empty spaces with packing materials like bio peanuts or cardboard, and wrapping candles individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent breakage during transport.

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They also sold soap, as it was a by-product of candle fabrication

A chandlery was originally the office in a wealthy medieval household responsible for wax and candles, as well as the room in which the candles were kept. The term 'chandler' was used for the person who managed the chandlery. The job function and title, chandler, still exists for someone who works in the chandlery business or manages a chandler's shop.

The process of making candles involves heating and melting wax into a clear, near-liquid state in huge metal kettles. The molten wax is then carefully filtered to remove impurities that may interfere with the burning process. Desired perfumes and dyes are added at this stage. The liquid wax is then shaped by hand by rolling it around a wick or by pouring it over the wick.

The materials used to make candles have changed over the years. The original candle may have been invented by primitive men who dipped dried branches in animal fat. In ancient Egypt, writers and philosophers used candles made of fibrous materials mixed with wax or tallow. Tallow is the white, nearly tasteless fat of cattle or sheep, which was also used to make soap. In the Middle East, beeswax was the dominant material used for candle-making. In China, beeswax candles were common in the Tang and Sung dynasties, and wax from the Chinese tallow tree was also used. In Europe, candle-making techniques included dipping or drawing a wick in molten wax or tallow, and moulds were introduced later.

In the 19th century, an industrial manufacturing technique was introduced for the mass production of candles. This involved using continuous molding machines to make large groups of candles at once. The materials used for candle-making continued to evolve, with paraffin wax, stearine, and various blends becoming popular. As such, soap was likely a by-product of candle fabrication, and chandlers would have sold this alongside candles.

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Today, shipping candles requires proper packaging to prevent melting or breakage

A chandlery was originally the office in a wealthy medieval household responsible for wax and candles, as well as the room in which the candles were kept. The term 'chandler' referred to the person who managed the chandlery. While this usage is now obsolete, the term 'chandler' is still used to refer to someone who works in the candle business.

There are various shipping platforms that can be used to ship candles, such as Shippo, which offers discounted rates with FedEx and DHL, as well as USPS and UPS options. E-commerce platforms like Etsy and Shopify also offer shipping integrations and discounted rates. USPS offers free Flat Rate boxes and packages can be picked up from the shipper's home.

Overall, ensuring the safe delivery of candles requires careful packaging and selection of shipping services.

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