George III Antique Silver Taperstick, London 1774.

Object Description

An attractive little antique silver taperstick with shell base and detachable nozzle. Made of cast silver. Very pretty detail with a rope twist ornament to the top and column.

Weight 193g, 6.2 troy oz.
Height 14cm, 5.5ins. Diameter of base 7.7cm, 3ins.
London 1774.
Maker James Harmar.
Sterling silver.

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

Maker: James Harmar

James Harmar, London silversmith, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. Mark entered as smallworker in 1761, address Holborn Bars.

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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.

Object Details