Antique English Silver Plated Candle Snuffer

Blowing out a candle throws hot wax across a table. A snuffer drops over the flame and starves it, which is why every dining room and library that burned candles daily had one within reach.

A conical bell on a long straight handle with a looped end, silver plated over a simple stepped base. Twelve inches of reach means you can put out a taper without leaning over the table.

The plate is heavily worn and the base metal shows through in places. The inside of the bell is black with soot. Neither of those is a flaw in an object like this. A snuffer that still looks new never worked for a living.

Sourced in England. No maker's marks found.

[d]Type | Candle snuffer, long handled
[d]Dimensions | 12 in. W x 3 in. H x 2 in. D
[d]Primary Material | Silverplate over base metal
[d]Period | Vintage
[d]Origin | Sourced in England
[d]Also Known As | Candle snuffer, wick snuffer, douter
[d]Maker, Mark, or Attribution | None. No maker's marks found
[d]Construction or Technique | Conical bell on a straight handle with a looped terminal and stepped base

[condition]
There is heavy silver plate wear and loss throughout, with base metal visible in areas, along with surface oxidation and spotting.

The interior of the bell shows soot and darkening from use.