George I Antique Silver Snuffer Tray and Scissors, London, 1716

Object Description

A rare and extremely fine item. It’s unusual to find a completely matching candle snuffer set from this very early date, particularly with these attractive features. The scissor stand has an hour glass form, with the flat teardrop handle and small ball feet similar to early chambersticks of that date. The candle douter and wick trimmer has a simple open and shut mechanism and retains the original steel cutting plates, the pointed end was used to loosen and remove candle stubs from the socket. Both pieces bear the attractive hand engraved crest of a stallion horse.

Weight 284g, 9.1 troy oz
Stand length 17.5cm, width 12cm (to end of handle)
London 1716.
Maker George Gillingham.
Britannia standard silver, 95.8% purity

Lovely plain style in keeping with the period.

Marks. The snuffer tray is stamped on top of the pan with a full set of English silver hallmarks. The candle snuffer scissors have the maker’s mark only: double stamped to one side, and single stamped to the other

Maker: George Gillingham

George Gillingham, London silversmith, apprenticed to Anthony Nelme 1692, free 1699. Mark entered as largeworker 1703. 2nd mark 1718. 3rd mark 1721. Address Giltspur Street, near Pye Corner.

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Object Literature

There were few snuffers made prior to 1700 and by the early nineteenth century more refined candles were introduced which no longer required the wick to be cut. Additional information available at http://www.oldandinteresting.com/tallow-candles-snuffers.aspx. Snuffers and trays were usually made by different specialists so even though the dates match, the makers will probably be different.

*Britannia Standard. In 1696, so extensive had become the melting and clipping of coinage that the silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares. Instead the new higher standard, 95.8 per cent pure had to be used and new hallmarks were ordered, “the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia” and the lion’s head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard’s head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720.

Object Condition

Both pieces are in very good condition with just the amount of minor wear you’d expect from this date.

Object Details