George Silver Snuffer Tray

Object Description

A good quality antique sterling silver snuffer stand of rectangular shape with a flying scroll handle. Good plain design and heavy gauge silver with gadroon borders and applied shell borders. The top has a hand engraved crest.
Weight 226 grams, 7.2 troy ounces.
Height 6cm. Length 18.3cm. Width 8.8cm.
London 1767.
Maker Ebenezer Coker, the candlestick specialist.
Sterling silver

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.

Object Literature

The snuffer tray was introduced to hold the candle snuffer, 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carrying handle and a hole at the top where the point of the snuffer scissors is inserted – these were very quickly superceded by the flat snuffer tray and scissors.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.

Object Condition

Very good condition. Fully stamped underneath with English silver hallmarks. The engraving still retains definition with minor wear.
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