a small collection of antique silver and objects of vertu

next page a small collection of antique silver and objects of vertu

candle snuffer Great Britain -52-

this "close plating" candle snuffer standing on three feet has scissors shape, fruits and floral ornaments with a pair of shells.
The "close plating" is a method of applying a layer of silver foil to tinned steel by heat fusion and burnishing and was largely used for plating knifes, scissors, spurs and the like. The burnishing brought silver to a high finish by rubbing the surface with a hard smooth object such as agate or other hardstone, a dog's tooth or very high grade steel.
This snuffer is unmarked but very likely has English origin and was made between the end 18th / beginning 19th century.
The candle snuffer is 7 in. long (cm. 18) and was bought from an Italian dealer at an Antique Fair.