Description

A rare antique sterling silver wax jack, or go to bed, of rectangular form. Good plain style and gadroon borders. The central wax winder supports the remains of a coil of wax, the end of which is held in place in the centre of the sconce. The small conical snuffer is attached to the top by a long silver chain.

Weight including wax 163 grams, 5.2 troy ounces.

Height 11 cm. Base 9.3 x 7.4 cm.

London 1807.

Maker probably James Turner.

Literature: The Wax Jack was a container or frame holding a long coiled taper treated with wax (sometimes turpentine). The wax was lit to melt the sealing wax used to fasten letters and documents and usually a personal seal was pressed into the hot wax to leave a personal identification. After the wax hardened it was virtually impossible to open the letter without breaking the wax seal. The wax jack could also used as a portable light such as the chamberstick or go to bed.

The antique wax jack is in very good condition. Good colour. Stamped underneath and on the conical snuffer with a full set of English silver hallmarks, the wax winder with lion mark only. 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: James Turner

James Turner, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. 1st mark as plateworker, in partnership with Charles Fox in 1801 dissolved in 1804 when Turner entered his 2nd mark alone.

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