Tray for candle snuffer
Candlelight was predominantly used throughout the
Victorian period for most ordinary activities, such as dining and
playing cards, as well as cooking. During the early part of the
period, most candles were made from animal fat, although more
expensive whale oil and beeswax were also used. By the end of the
nineteenth century the modern paraffin wax candle was most commonly
used.
The wick in an animal fat or tallow candle had to be
trimmed frequently with a snuffer to prevent the candle from both
guttering, when rivulets of molten fat ran to waste down the side
of the candle, and from smoking, which added to the already
unpleasant smell.
It was important that the charred ends did not fall into the
molten fat where they could cause guttering. Candle snuffers with a
box attached to the blades allowed the cut ends to be caught and
contained.
Snuffers were often kept on small trays.
Object no :
DMDM076n
Collection :
Creator :
NA
Place of Production :
NA
Dimensions :
length 225mm, width 113mm
Materials :
copper alloy, brass
Location :
NA
Accession number :
DUMFM:1966.114.6
Copyright :
Dumfries & Galloway Council