Here’s a strange little box, which I have to confess when found awhile back I presumed was a fairly antique box of matches with a silver plated cover. On researching Roche & Cie [the company who made them ] and intrigued by the enigmatic lady dressed in a tight basque I discovered they are something much more rare. They are in fact seven minute pocket candles, but why you ask only such a short time?

Let me explain ,though marketed as “Opera Candles” to see your way in after the lamps were out in your home, they were more frequently used in brothels for timing and charging. Yes 7 minutes from when lit was what you got for your money..Interestingly in this box some have been broken in half and edged with sealing wax , so fun could be had for 3.5mins as well ! The box comes with a metal cover in which to prop up the candle, and they were sold with many different photos of popular ladies of the day. Who knew !