Sterling Silver Wick Trimmers London 1838

Description

Heading : Early Victorian sterling silver wick trimmers
Date : Hallmarked in London for Thomas Radcliffe
Period : Victoria ( the first full year of her reign)
Origin :London. England
Decoration : Scroll shanks and ring handles
Size :  Length 12.4cms
Condition : Excellent . Fully functional and tested
Restoration : None
Weight : 51  grams ( 1.67 troy)

Prior to the mid 19th century the tallow (animal fat) or wax of a candle burned faster than the wick. To promote a steady flame. the wick needed to be trimmed. These are indended trim the wick of a candle. The burned bits of greasy wick are caught in the box. Some trimmers have steel inserts to promote easier cutting. these do not.

Wick trimmers are often called candle snuffers and indeed having tested these it is possible to snuff out a candle by pressing the burning wish into the box. However why trim the wick when you can use a purpose made conical snuffer.