George III Silver Wax Jack

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Object Description

A rare antique sterling silver wax jack of oval form. Good plain style and reed borders. The tall column supports a coil of wax, the end of which is held in place in the centre of the drip pan. The small conical snuffer is attached to the top by a long silver chain. Weight including wax 148 grams, 4.7 troy ounces. Height 15cm. Sheffield 1799. Maker Thomas & Daniel Leader.

THOMAS AND DANIEL LEADER
The Thomas & Daniel Leader partnership (1799-1816) derived from the original Sheffield firm Tudor & Leader, founded in 1761 by Henry Tudor of Sheffield and Thomas Leader of Broxted in Essex. The high quality goods in Old Sheffield Plate included – tablewares, large tea urns, covered dishes, condiment sets, wine coasters, ice pails, mustards and bread baskets – also serving flatware, inkstands and bottle tickets for labelling different alcoholic drinks. Records show that John Sherburn, a silversmith from Sheffield, joined as a third partner in 1763, died 1773. Samuel Nicholson became a partner in 1783 and the name changed to Tudor, Leader’s & Nicholson. Thomas Leader’s brother, Daniel, joined the firm as a partner in 1785 and Thomas Leader Jnr became a partner in 1793. Samuel Nicholson left the business in 1796, Thomas Leader retired in 1797 and Henry Tudor appears to have retired around 1799. Daniel Leader and Thomas Leader Jnr continued the business until 1816.

Object Literature

The Wax Jack was a container or frame holding a long coiled taper treated with wax (sometimes turpentine). The wax was lit to melt the sealing wax used to fasten letters and documents and usually a personal seal was pressed into the hot wax to leave a personal identification. After the wax hardened it was virtually impossible to open the letter without breaking the wax seal. The wax jack could also used as a portable light such as the chamberstick or go to bed.

Object Condition

The antique wax jack is in very good condition. Good colour. Stamped underneath and on the conical snuffer with a full set of English silver hallmarks.

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.