Description

A very rare early English silver snuffers and stand with an octagonal stepped base and baluster stem. *Britannia standard silver. The cut corner square base has the typical style of the candlesticks of this period. The snuffer scissors, or wick trimmers, sit long ways in the stand. Both scissors and stand have identical hand engraved crests of a gauntlet holding up a crown.

Total weight 317 grams, 10.2 troy ounces.
Height 17.5cm. Stand height 11.25cm, base diameter 8cm.
Scissors length 14.25 cms.
Both pieces have English silver hallmarks for London 1707.
Maker Thomas Folkingham.

Marks. Both with full set of English silver hallmarks which are clear and easy to read. Both have the same date and maker.

Literature: Snuffers were made for trimming wicks which had not burnt down with the candles. There were few snuffers made prior to 1700 and by the early nineteenth century more refined candles were introduced which no longer required the wick to be cut. Standing snuffers were made in the early 1700’s and were very quickly superseded by the flat snuffer tray and scissors. It’s very unusual to find a snuffer scissors and stand both with same date and maker.

*Britannia Standard silver. In 1696, so extensive had become the melting and clipping of coinage that the silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares, but had to use a new higher standard, 95.8 per cent. New hallmarks were ordered, “the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia” and the lion’s head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard’s head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today.

This handsome standing snuffer is in very good condition. The scissors and stand are original and matching. The scissors do not have a snap shut action but they close well and are usable.

Maker: Thomas Folkingham

Thomas Folkingham, apprenticed to John Bache 1693, free 1703. Married Elizabeth Denney, daughter of John Bache’s partner William Denney, in 1700. He died in 1729 after achieving considerable status as a successful banker-goldsmith. Arthur Grimwade described his best work as showing strong Huguenot influence and it is likely that he employed emigres as journeymen.

Customer satisfaction is our primary concern

All silverware on our website is checked thoroughly prior to offering it for sale and every product listing contains a condition report and details of the silver hallmarks.

All items offered on our website include:

• Free Shipping Worldwide
• Tracked and Insured
• 14 day no quibble money back guarantee
• We are accredited members of LAPADA and conform to their strict professional standards
• We dispatch 1-3 days after receiving cleared payments

More detailed information about deliveries, returns and how to pay is available in the Help section at the bottom of this page.