51/646

Snuffers are scissor-shaped devices used to cut off the charred top from candles. Made of steel and dates from the eighteenth century.
Snuffers are scissor-shaped devices used to cut off the charred top from candles. A box is fitted to one blade to hold the charred wick attached and the other blade has flat piece of metal which carries the cut wick into the box and extinguishes it. The spike projecting from the box was for uncurling the wick before cutting it. This pair is made of steel and dates from the eighteenth century.

1 pair of snuffers; metal [steel]; fair condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'Snuffers were needed to cut off the charred top from the twisted ends of tallow candles. They are scissors with a box attached to hold the charred wick. They were first made in the 15th century, and went out of use in the second quarter of the nineteenth century when the plaited wick, which burnt away without the need of trimming, was introduced. // This snuffer is of a type common in the 18th century. It is made of steel, and consists of a rectangular box fitted to one blade, the other having a flat piece of metal which carried the cut wick into the box and extinguished it. The spike which projects from the box was for uncurling the wick before cutting. It was originally supported on three feet, one on each handle bow, and one under the box, but they are now missing. // The snuffers measure 6.25 inches in length.', No Lavinia Smith No. recorded., Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 70 // Snuffer // Lent by Museum of English Rural Life' (The catalogue description could also refer to 51/648 and 51/647), Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 71 // Snuffer // Lent by Museum of English Rural Life' (The catalogue description could also refer to 51/648 and 51/647)

1700-01-01 - 1799-12-31

Eighteenth century

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)