A smart pair of antique sterling silver snuffer scissors with scroll and leaf motif decoration, and pretty pierced silver handles. The side of the snuffer box has a hand engraved crest.
Weight (including steel cutter plate) 109 grams, 3.3 troy ounces.
Length 16cm.
London 1768.
No maker’s mark.
Two different types of candle douters were used to extinguish the flame of a candle. The extinguisher which was a small cone on the end of a long handle and the snuffer which was a dual purpose scissor like tool which could extinguish the candle flame and also cut the wick of the candle for reuse. There were few snuffers made prior to 1700 and by the early nineteenth century more refined candles were introduced which no longer required the wick to be cut. Snuffer trays are usually rectangular or oval shaped and can sometimes be raised on feet or have a carrying handle. Some early stands, called standing snuffers, are shaped like a candlestick with a side carrying handle and a hole at the top where the point of the snuffer scissors is inserted – these were very quickly superceded by the flat snuffer tray and scissors. It is rare now to find matching snuffers and base. Snuffers and trays were usually made by different specialists so even though the dates match, the makers will probably be different.
The antique candle snuffers are in very good condition. The spring still closes the cutting flap shut. The silver marks are clear and easy to read (difficult to photograph properly because they’re in confined space).
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.
By appointment only.
