A late 1700s/early 1800s Welsh/Devon rushlight with candle holder. This good example stands on its original ash wood base and interestingly has an old label to the base. The part I can read says  its a rushlight with a candle holder. This example has nice twisted metal work. A rush coated with fat  would have been place in the top pincers. Note there is also a candle holder for use on special occasions, candles were very expensive and used sparingly.
Rushlights were a common source of artificial light in the British Isles for centuries, particularly for those who could not afford candles. 
How Rushlights Work:
Burn time: A rushlight typically burns for a few hours. 
Making them: Dried rushes, typically common rushes, are dipped in melted fat or grease until they are coated and firm. 
Using them: The coated rushes are then held in a special holder, often a pair of iron pliers or a metal stand. They are burned at an angle, with the wick burning at one end. 
 
This example measures 26cm h x 7.5cm w