Victorian Sterling Silver Taperstick or Small Candlestick, London 1897, William Comyns & Sons
Candelabra/Candlestick (Taperstick) · William Comyns & Sons. Founded in 1859 by William Comyns, this firm became one of the most famous London manufacturing silversmiths of the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, known for high-quality decorative wares and large commissions.
Pattern: Classical Columnar/Georgian Revival style with concentric reeding and stepped circular base.
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick (Taperstick)
Maker
William Comyns & Sons. Founded in 1859 by William Comyns, this firm became one of the most famous London manufacturing silversmiths of the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, known for high-quality decorative wares and large commissions.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The image suggests a solid construction, though common for this era, the base may be weighted (loaded) with pitch or plaster for stability.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches). Diameter of base approx 6-8 cm. Estimated weight: 150-250 grams (if weighted) or 4-6 troy oz (if solid).
Description
This elegant London sterling silver taperstick by the renowned William Comyns demonstrates the refined simplicity of the late Victorian Georgian Revival movement. Featuring a clean, circular stepped base and perfectly balanced reeding, it showcases the high-quality hallmarking and precision engineering for which late 19th-century London smiths were celebrated. Its diminutive size suggests it was intended for lighting sealing wax or as a delicate desk accessory.
Key Features
Distinctive William Comyns makers mark; clear 1897 London hallmarks; concentric ring decoration; classic architectural stepped base.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The image suggests a solid construction, though common for this era, the base may be weighted (loaded) with pitch or plaster for stability.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with concentric circular reeding and stepped moldings. The style is Neoclassical/Georgian Revival, characterized by clean lines and architectural symmetry.
Hallmarks & Stamps
British Hallmarks: Maker's mark 'WC' over 'SC' (William Comyns & Sons), Lion Passant (Sterling .925), Leopard's Head (London Assay Office), and date letter 'b' in a shield (1897). The marks are struck clearly on the step of the base.
Construction Details
Likely die-struck and spun from sheet silver. The nozzle/capital is integral or seamed, and the base consists of stepped moldings typical of late 19th-century mass-production refinement.
Functional Features
Deep candle socket for tapers (thin candles). The wide flange at the top acts as a wax catcher. Stable, wide-stepped foot.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a self-standing columnar object without handles.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays high-quality industrial-age craftsmanship; the precision of the concentric rings suggests the use of a lathe and high-quality dies. The hallmarks are struck with significant force, indicative of a professional workshop.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are consistent in depth and alignment for the 1897 London assay. The 'WC' marker's mark matches known punches for William Comyns & Sons during this specific decade. The wear patterns on the base rim are consistent with authentic age.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Manufactured in the workshop of William Comyns, likely in Beak Street, Regent Street, following the strict standards of the London Assay Office.
Era & Period
Late Victorian Era (1837-1901). This specific piece dates to the Diamond Jubilee year of Queen Victoria (1897), reflecting the period's love for historical revival styles (Georgian/Neoclassical).
Age Estimate
Dated to 1897 based on the 'b' date letter and hallmark combination.
Cultural Significance
Tapersticks were essential tools in the Victorian household for melting sealing wax for letters or lighting larger lamps, representing the formality of 19th-century communication and domestic life.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. There are visible surface scratches consistent with use and polishing over 125 years. The hallmarks show slight rubbing but remain legible. Potential minor compression on the base rim.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Values depend on whether it is a single item or part of a pair. William Comyns marks carry a collector premium.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality silver foam (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cotton cloth. Avoid silver dips which can strip the internal weighting material if there is a hole. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Victorian Corinthian Column candlesticks (more ornate); George II Tapersticks (usually cast and much heavier/pricier); Modern Tiffany & Co. sterling candlesticks (machine-perfect finish).
Interesting Facts
William Comyns & Sons was a favorite of high-end retailers like Tiffany & Co. and Liberty & Co., often producing the silver components for their luxury vanity sets and desk accessories. 1897 was a peak year for British silver production due to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.