Chambersticks with Candle Snuffers

Date1810-1850

MediumCast pewter

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter at base): 5 x 5 7/8in. (12.7 x 14.9cm)

ClassificationsMetalware

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Thomas Archibald

Object number1985.20.2.1-.2a-c

DescriptionPair of cast pewter chambersticks, each consisting of a candlestick on a round tray (.a) with a bobeche (.c) or drip catcher, accompanied by a candle snuffer (.c). Each bobeche consists of a short cylindrical section below a deeply flared rim and a border with gadrooning, or raised, slanted lobes. The cylindrical portion of the bobeche sits inside the flared rim and cylindrical top of the candlestick. Each candlestick has a projecting, gadrooned border midway down its length, with a small loop projecting from this border. The candlestick is soldered to a round tray. The tray is decorated with two pairs of concentric, incised rings and a raised, gadrooned border at the interior edge of the rim. On one side of the tray, a ring handle is soldered perpendicularly, just inside the rim. Opposite the ring handle is a conical candle stuffer with a tapered finial. A projecting hook on one side of the candle snuffer fits into the projecting loop on the candlestick, thereby suspending the candle snuffer from the side of the candlestick. There are skimming marks and chatter marks on the interior of each candle snuffer and on the underside of each tray. The top of each tray has a few small gouges and is lightly scratched and worn. The underside of each chamberstick is well scratched and worn.

Skimming Marks: Skimming marks are concentric rings left on cast pewter objects by skimming tools. Skimming is the process of removing metal and smoothing rough surfaces by scraping the pewter object as it rotates on a lathe.

Chatter Marks: Chatter marks are radial lines extending across skimming marks on a pewter object, caused by vibration of the skimming tool.

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