George III Antique Silver Taperstick, London 1763.

Object Description

An attractive little silver taperstick with hexafoil shell base, rope borders and an intricately shaped stem. Cast silver. Good size and weight. Hand engraved to the base is a crown over initials “SC” in script. Faint traces of the original gilt are visible.

Weight 151g, 4.8 troy oz.
Height 13.5cm. Base diameter 8.6cm.
London 1763.
Maker William Cafe.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Stamped with a full set of English silver hallmarks underneath the base.

Maker: William Cafe

William Café, apprenticed to his brother John Café 1742, turned himself over to Simon Jouet 1746. Free 1757. Livery 1758. Mark entered as largeworker 1757, probably on the death of his brother John. Both William and John were known for their cast candlesticks. Known apprentices were Thomas Neale in 1777 and William’s son Thomas in 1784. William died circa 1802-1811.

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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.

Object Condition

In very good condition. Faint traces of the original gilt finish are visible. Slight wear to the engravings.

Object Details