George III Antique Silver Taperstick, London 1764.

Object Description

A pretty little antique silver taperstick with shell base and detachable nozzle. Made of cast silver. Attractive detail with a rope twist ornament to the top and column and there is a hand engraved cypher to the sconce.

Weight 170g, 5.4 troy oz.
Height 13.8cm, 5.4ins. Diameter of base 8.8cm, 3.4 ins.
London 1764.
Maker Ebenezer Coker.
Sterling silver.

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

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.

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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

The little candlestick is in very good condition with minor wear consistent with age. Sharp engraving.

Object Details