ANTIQUE SILVER TAPERSTICKS
Antique Silver tapersticks Description:
A small candlestick for holding tapers (a thin candle). Often used for melting sealing wax, lighting other candles, tobacco pipes etc.
Antique Silver tapersticks History:
The earliest known examples date from the latter part of the 17th century but they are rare in silver before 1700. They were made throughout the Georgian and Victorian periods and can still be found today but in much lesser numbers.
Antique Silver tapersticks Design:
The vast majority took their designs from normal candlesticks. So the comments made under the candlesticks section apply here too (see candlesticks design information here). They were sometimes part of inkstand sets as well, being used to melt letter sealing wax.
Antique Silver tapersticks Collectors Note:
The level of craftsmanship and their aesthetic qualities determine their value. Very early examples command high prices, but there are also unusual figural ones that are becoming more collectible. They must also be undamaged with good clear hallmarks and crisp detail. Again see the notes in the candlesticks section for further information.