Snuffer

1840-1860

Maker

J. Prime (est. 1839)

Measurements

1-5/8 in x 6-3/8 in x 2-1/8 in

Materials

Electroplated silver on steel

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3696

Inscription

The maker's marks, “Pri / me” in an oval or shield, is stamped into the scissor blade near the box in  manner suggesting hallmarks.

Condition Notes

A rear foot is replaced, and the circular hinge cover and hinge is repaired.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

This snuffer or candle wick trimmer is made of steel, as many 19th century examples were, but it was then electro-plated with silver, a process not put into production until the 1840s.  Fortunately, the snuffer is marked by the maker, whose business was established in 1839.  

The primary use of this tool was to trim candle wicks by cutting the wick, removing the burnt end, and keep the candle burning.