A set of 6 antique German extension candle holders for the Christmas tree, commonly used in the days before electric lighting. The 5 inch candle holders are tin, painted in bright lead glaze colors of blue, red, pink, and purple. Unlike the more common clip on type, the M shape ends are designed to weave around the tree branches and were ostensibly long enough to keep the candle flames extended away from the branches above.
I sold a boxed set of these candle holders a few years ago with the original illustrated instructions showing how they could be arranged around the bottom of a birthday cake. There was an 1890s patent date and both the box and paperwork stated they were made in Germany. This set does not have a box. There is some wear to the painted finish as shown.