Antique Collector Magazine

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Silverware

Author: dodo

23 May

Chambersticks

Modest and practical, the silver chamberstick was in use during the seventeenth century, but examples are not generally found before the last quarter of the century. In the line of the old nursery rhyme, ‘Here comes a candle to light you to bed’, the words refer to a chamberstick which consisted of a saucer-shaped base for safety, with a short candle-socket in its centre, and a simple handle by which to carry it around the house. Larger homes might later have an assortment of such chambersticks set upon a table in the hall, a person taking one when it was needed and lighting it from a special master taper. Usually made of a lighter metal, the diameter of the saucer-shaped dish varied but generally measured about six inches, the short socket standing about three inches high. Most late seventeenth and eighteenth century examples would have a shapely scroll handle soldered beneath the base and curving upwards. (more…)

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  • Filed under: Art Glass, Candleholders, Candlesticks, Embroidery, Fabric, Fabric and Textiles, Fireplaces, Handles, Linens, Ornaments, Pillows, Plates, Pottery and Glass, Tables

    • Writing Silver

    Author: dodo

    17 May

    Inkstands

    Inkstands (standishes) were much favoured in both sterling silver and, from about 1760, Sheffield plate. Silver examples include the treasury inkstand: a rectangular box which contained an inkpot, pounce box and wafer box — a small adhesive disk for sealing letters — with a single- or double-hinged lid and perhaps a drawer below for quills. Another type, made in both silver and Sheffield plate, consisted of a rectangular tray, standing upon four small feet, which had three sockets. In the case of the silver version, the inkpot and pounce box would fit into the outer two sockets, while the middle one would contain a small hand bell, or taperstick for sealing. (more…)

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  • Filed under: Antique Clocks, Antique Metalwares, Antiquities, Art Glass, Cast Iron, Chairs, Chests of Drawers, Cut Glass, Desks, Dressers, Dressing Tables, Embroidery, Fabric, Fabric and Textiles, Fireplaces, Globes, Gold, Handles, Lace, Lightning Rods, Linens, Ornaments, Pillows, Plaques, Plates, Pottery and Glass, Sofas, Tables
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