Antique George II Silver Taperstick

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Object Description

A delightful little antique sterling silver taper stick of plain early design with baluster stem and square octagonal foot with a sunken well. Cast silver. Weight 116 grams, 3.7 troy ounces. Height 11 cms. Base diameter 6.7 cms. London 1729. Maker John Eckford II.

Biography – John Eckford I, London silversmith, apprenticed to tobacconist John Whitfield 1682, also entered in the Goldsmith’s apprentice register as bound to Anthony Nelme (scored out). Free 1698. Mark entered as largeworker 1698. 2nd (sterling) mark 1720. Appears to have worked as both tobacconist and silversmith, his mark is often found on tobacco boxes of the period. Buried 1730. Also known as Eckfourd.

John Eckford II, London silversmith, apprenticed to John Fawdery 1712, turned over to John Eckfourd 1712, and turned over again to Philip Rollos 1714. Free 1723. Two marks entered as largeworker (sterling and new standard) 1725. 3rd mark entered 1739.

His son Joseph apprenticed to Henry Brind 1746, and another John to John Swift 1753.

Object Literature

Tapersticks, averaging about 5 inches high are miniature table candlesticks used to hold a wax taper. They are rarer than candlesticks and very few exist prior to the Queen Anne period. They usually appear in singles and pairs of tapersticks command a premium price.

Object Condition

This lovely taper stick is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. Excellent patina. With a full set of English silver hallmarks under the base. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.