George III Silver Chamberstick

Object Description

An elegant antique sterling silver chamber stick with plain classic styling, reed borders and plain scroll handle with a thumb piece. Oval form. The candle nozzle and snuffer are detachable. There is a family crest hand engraved to the pan (some wear).
Weight 303 grams, 9.7 troy ounces.
Height 11 cm. Pan measures 17 x 12.7 cm.
London 1791.
Maker Elizabeth Jones.

ELIZABETH JONES
Elizabeth Jones, London maker, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. Probably the widow of Robert Jones. Mark entered as plateworker 1783. Her mark is rarely found except on salvers and waiters.

Object Literature

Chambersticks first made an appearance in the 17th century and early examples are now very hard to find. Originally they were made in sets as a household would need many chambersticks. They were used for lighting the way to bed and because of the movement created when they were carried about they needed a large drip pan to catch the wax. The earliest examples have straight handles (first flat, then tubular) which were superceded in the first part of the 18th century by a ring handle. Gradually the design evolved and from the mid 18th century onwards they usually had a matching conical snuffer although from about 1790 onwards some were made with an aperture at the base of the stem to take a pair of scissor snuffers.

Object Condition

This attractive silver chamber candlestick is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. All three pieces are original, fully matching and fit well together. The pan, snuffer and candle nozzle have clear and matching English silver marks. All three pieces are stamped with a matching set of English silver hallmarks. The engraved crest on the pan has some wear. Some little surface scratching overall. The is a small dint to the pan.
Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Object Details