Wick trimmer or snuffer
Birmingham, England
1775-1825
Measurements
1-5/8 in x 6-3/8 in x 2-3/8 in
Materials
Steel
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation
Accession Number
1962.242
Inscription
“WARRANTED” is stamped into one side of the snuffing box blade.
Condition Notes
The two feet underneath the handle are replacements made of iron from cut nails. The tip of the scissors appears to have snapped off.
Provenance
The snuffer was purchased by Winterthur from Mrs. W. Edward Wright of Wilmington, Delaware.
Comments
The snuffer, or wick trimmer, is of the characteristic design for these tools that allow users to trim candle wicks to improve lighting. This example, as others (see accession no. 1959.3904), is stamped “WARRANTED,” an indication to potential buyers of its dependable quality. Birmingham was a big center of metal production and may have been the origin of this trimmer.
