Taperstick
1720-1721 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
A taperstick is a type of utensil similar to and usually in the style of various types of candlestick but smaller being about 10 cm high and is used to hold a taper (a thin candle). They usually exist singly and not as one of a pair since one is usually sufficient for the intended use. The socket is sometimes lined with paper in order to hold securely the tall thin taper. The taper, (made of wax and non odorous) was used mainly for melting sealing wax and for lighting candles, tobacco pipes etc., and not as a source of illumination; hence the piece was sometimes called a ‘tobacco candlestick’.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Silver |
| Brief description | Taperstick with nozzle, silver, mark of Simon Pantin, London hallmarks for 1720-21 |
| Physical description | Taperstick, silver, (one of a pair), octagonal base with beaded borders, baluster stem, bulbous socket and octagonal nozzle (detachable) with beaded border. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions |
|
| Credit line | Bequeathed by W. J. Johnson |
| Object history | Bequest - W.J Johnson Acquisition RF: 44 / 505 |
| Summary | A taperstick is a type of utensil similar to and usually in the style of various types of candlestick but smaller being about 10 cm high and is used to hold a taper (a thin candle). They usually exist singly and not as one of a pair since one is usually sufficient for the intended use. The socket is sometimes lined with paper in order to hold securely the tall thin taper. The taper, (made of wax and non odorous) was used mainly for melting sealing wax and for lighting candles, tobacco pipes etc., and not as a source of illumination; hence the piece was sometimes called a ‘tobacco candlestick’. |
| Associated objects |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.1723A/1 to A/2-1944 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | September 10, 2004 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
