George III Antique Silver Taperstick, London 1763.

Object Description

A pretty little antique silver taperstick with a baluster stem, shell base and detachable nozzle. Made of cast silver. Attractive detail with a rope twist ornament to the top and column.

Weight 172g, 5.5 troy oz.
Height 14cm, 5.5ins. Diameter of base 9cm, 3.5ins.
London 1763.
Maker Ebenezer Coker.
Sterling silver.

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

Maker: Ebenezer Coker

Ebenezer Coker, apprenticed to Joseph Smith 1728, free 1740. First mark entered 1738, 2nd mark 1739, 3rd mark 1745, 4th mark 1751, 5th mark circa 1758. Another mark was entered in partnership with Thomas Hannam 1759. Specialist candlestick and salver maker.

Free Shipping Worldwide

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. Pairs of tapersticks are rare and command a premium price.

Object Condition

In very good condition with minor wear commensurate with age.

Object Details