George I Antique Silver Taperstick, London 1717.

Object Description

An interesting form of early English taperstick with a fixed sconce, tubular stem and splayed hexagonal foot. This unusual little taper holder is raised from sheet silver in the Old English style of “monument” candlestick which was popular circa 1690-1710 whereas tapersticks of this period are normally made from cast silver in the Huguenot style. The good gauge silver makes it feel solid in the hand. The hand beaten silver and engraved dog crest both add charm.

Weight 55g, 1.7 troy oz.
Height 7.5cm, 3ins. Base diameter 5.7cm.
London 1717.
Maker William Scarlett.
Britannia standard silver, 95.8% pure.

Marks. Stamped around the top of the base with a full set of English silver hallmarks. The lion’s head erased and Britannia marks are rubbed but easy visible. The date letter is partially stamped; it belongs to the date range 1716-19 in which case it can only be “B” for 1717.

Maker: William Scarlett

William Scarlett, London silversmith, thought to have been apprenticed to Simon Scott 1687. First mark (Britannia) as largeworker undated, probably 1697, 2nd mark (Sterling) 1720, 3rd mark 1722, 4th 1725. Heal records him as William Scarlett, goldsmith, Cradle Court, Cripplegate Ward 1692-3 and plateworker, Foster Lane 1697-1725. Master of the Broderers’ Company 1726, dead by May 1729.

William’s son Richard was apprenticed to his father 1710, free 1718.

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Object Literature

Silver tapersticks, averaging about 5 inches high, are miniature table candlesticks used to hold a wax taper. Tapersticks would typically be found on a desk as they were not used for lighting; the melted sticks of wax were used for sealing letters, to give a flame for tobacco pipes or to light large candles. They are rarer than candlesticks and very few existed prior to the Queen Anne period. They usually appear in singles and pairs of tapersticks command a premium price.

*Britannia Standard. In 1696, silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares, but had to use a new higher standard, 95.8 per cent. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today and is always prized.

Object Condition

This tiny candlestick is in very good condition with minor wear consistent with age.

Object Details