Wick trimmer or snuffer

1770-1810

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.

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.