Snuffer

ca. 1720 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The tallow or wax of candles burned faster than the wick. Lit candles required constant attention. Snuffers were used to trim the wicks (to prevent them curling over) and the burnt wicks were captured in the box compartment. Snuffers supported in an upright holder such as this were fashionable about 1720.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Snuffers Stand
  • Snuffers
Materials and techniques
Brass
Brief description
Brass snuffers with stand, English, about 1720.
Physical description
Brass snuffers with stand. Stand has thin stem with fuller body with handle attached.
Dimensions
  • Overall height: 21cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by Ethel Gurney
Summary
The tallow or wax of candles burned faster than the wick. Lit candles required constant attention. Snuffers were used to trim the wicks (to prevent them curling over) and the burnt wicks were captured in the box compartment. Snuffers supported in an upright holder such as this were fashionable about 1720.
Collection
Accession number
M.173&A-1939

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Record createdNovember 1, 2004
Record URL
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