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Taperstick

1791-1792 (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
Materials and techniques
Cast and engraved silver
Brief description
Taperstick, silver, London hallmarks for 1791-2, mark of Henry Chawner
Physical description
Hand taperstick with extinguisher, round pan with reeded border, open scroll handle with slot for extinguisher, vase shaped socket with nozzle.
Dimensions
  • Height: 3in
  • Width: 5in
Marks and inscriptions
  • Mark of Henry Chawner
  • London hallmarks for 1791-2
  • Engraved crest (unidentified), a demi-lion holding a pheon.
Credit line
Bequeathed by Arthur Hurst
Object history
Bequest - Arthur Hurst
Acquisition RF: 40 / 434
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’.
Collection
Accession number
M.109-1940

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Record createdSeptember 10, 2004
Record URL
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