Snuffer or wick trimmer

1790-1840

Measurements

1-7/8 in x 7 in x 2-1/2 in

Materials

Steel

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3904

Inscription

"WARRANTED" is stamped into the inside of the snuffing box.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

Until candles began to be made with wicks that burned completely, candle snuffing was a regular and essential task to keep a candle flame burning properly.  These snuffers, designed like a pair of scissors standing on ball feet, have a spring-activated mechanism in the rectangular snuffing box.  The mechanism kept the box closed so that the hot wick could not fall out and possibly damage a table cloth or other top.