Georgian sterling silver taper stick, with later bobeche, London 1762, maker likely WC
Size: 5 ½ h x 3 w x 3 d in
C19693
Tapersticks are small table candlesticks designed to hold a wax taper, a small thin tapered tallow candle. Many tapersticks are miniature copies of the period table candlesticks of their era. Early examples had minimal decoration and simple waisted sockets. By the mid 18th century styles had evolved to include gadrooning, fluting and other examples of Rococo decoration.
These small tapers were frequently required during daily 18th century life when they first became popular. Often tapersticks were included as part of inkstands, as letters were often sealed with wax melted over the small tallow candle flames and then impressed with an intaglio carved with initials or the family crest. Tapersticks also served as chambersticks, as they were small and light and easy to carry from room to room, as well as for the purpose of lighting other candlesticks or for the lighting of tobacco.
Tapersticks are much rarer than the larger table candlesticks and few existed before the age of Queen Anne. Because of there most common uses, they were generally made individually, and pairs are extremely rare.