smw
That thought crossed my mind too, but I don't see any oil lanterns that he would be charged with lighting.
I was thinking of torches for inside lighting which apparently could have been an earlier form before oil lamps were suspended with iron rings from the ceilings and walls. ( the torch thing seems controversial though).
The stick part does seem rather long, so that would make sense for being able to reach up and light oil lamps. just wondering if so, it might suggest preparing for the oncoming night in contrast to the garden day scene at the front of the card.