George II Antique Silver Taperstick, London circa 1740-48

Object Description

A pretty little antique silver taperstick with knopped stem and shaped rectangular base. Nice plain style. Hand engraved bird crest over a coronet to the base of the stem. Cast silver.

Weight 102g, 3.2 troy oz.
Height 10.1cm (4ins). Width of base 6.5cm.
London circa 1740-48.
Maker Richard Gosling.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Stamped with a full set of English silver hallmarks underneath the base. The date letter is badly stamped however the date letter shield has the form from 1740-1755 and the maker’s mark was in use from 1739-1748 so we’ve attributed the date as 1740-1748.

Object Literature

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 taper sticks command a premium price.

Object Condition

The little taperstick is in very good condition. Excellent colour.

Object Details