Antique Silver Snuffer Tray


Date: 1848

Maker: Henry Wilkinson & Co

Country: England

Stock: 6962

Description

An early Victorian sterling silver snuffer stand with shaped decorative border and hand engraved centre decoration and monogram.

Weight 201 grams, 6.4 troy ounces.

Length 23.5 cms. Width 9.75 cms.

Sheffield 1848.

Maker Henry Wilkinson.

Literature. Silver Candle Snuffers and Stands.

Two different types of candle douters were used to extinguish the flame of a candle. Snuffer trays are usually rectangular or oval shaped and can sometimes be raised on feet or have a carrying handle. Some early stands, called standing snuffers, are shaped like a candlestick with a side carrying handle and a hole at the top where the point of the snuffer scissors is inserted – these were very quickly superseded by the flat snuffer tray and scissors. It is rare now to find matching snuffers and base. Snuffers and trays were usually made by different specialists so even though the dates match, the makers will probably be different.

Biography

Henry Wilkinson & Co

Henry Wilkinson. This old established Sheffield firm was founded by J. Winter circa 1760 and evolved into Henry Wilkinson through many intertwined partnerships. Henry Wilkinson & Co entered its first mark in the Sheffield Assay Office in 1831 and expanded their business in 1857 when they entered their first mark in the London Assay Office.
In 1892 the firm was acquired by Walker & Hall.

Condition

This pretty silver tray is in very good condition. Stamped with clear English silver hallmarks. The engraving is crisp.

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