ANTIQUE SILVER CANDLE SNUFFERS TRAYS
Antique Silver candle snuffers trays Description:
A scissor-like implement used to trim the wick of a candle to prevent guttering.
Antique Silver candle snuffers trays History:
Very rare before about 1680, the candle scissor snuffer and stand were made throughout the 18th century and into the early part of the 19th century. They were not really made after about 1830 due to the invention of paraffin candles in c. 1825 (with non-smoking self-consuming wicks).
Antique Silver candle snuffers trays Design:
In the form of a pair of scissors, with an attached small open box on the upper arm, and cutting blade on the lower arm, which was designed to cut the hot wick and retain it in the box. The sharp point on the scissor snuffers was used to prick out the burnt-out candle end. The stand was designed to hold the length of the scissors and reflected the style of the period.
Antique Silver candle snuffers trays Collectors Note:
A true pair of scissor snuffer and stand, in silver, must have the same hallmarks, this is important because many have been put together with different hallmarks. The box and blade mechanism must be in good working order and the central hinge must be original and tight. The earlier 18th century examples are now quite rare and a true pair commands the highest prices.