Description

A rare early antique sterling silver chamber stick “go to bed” with a shaped shell and scroll border and standing on 3 hoof feet. Lovely plain classic styling. Good quality and weight. The matching candle snuffer and nozzle are detachable. There is a hand engraved crest of a bird to all 3 pieces. Weight 383 grams, 12.3 troy ounces. Height 11.5 cms. Diameter 14.7 cms. Spread across handle 18 cms. London 1750. Maker William Homer.

Literature: Chambersticks first made an appearance in the 17th century and early examples are now very hard to find. Originally they were made in sets as a household would need many chambersticks. They were used for lighting the way to bed and because of the movement created when they were carried about they needed a large drip pan to catch the wax. The earliest examples have straight handles (first flat, then tubular) which were superceded in the first part of the 18th century by a ring handle. Gradually the design evolved and from the mid 18th century onwards they usually had a matching conical snuffer although from about 1790 onwards some were made with an aperture at the base of the stem to take a pair of scissor snuffers.

This attractive silver go to bed is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. All 3 pieces are fully matching and original. Each has a hand engraved crest with some wear. All with a full set of matching silver English hallmarks, those on the snuffer are worn. The candle snuffer is slightly "not round" at the bottom. Signs of an old repair around the bottom of the candle holder where it joins the inside of the pan. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Maker: William Homer

William Homer, London silversmith, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. His only mark was entered as largeworker in 1750.

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