File:Post Medieval, Candle Snuffer (FindID 158413).jpg

English: Incomplete cast copper alloy candle snuffer / wick trimmer of probable later post-medieval or early modern date (1550-1700). The candle snuffer is similar in form to a pair of shears / scissors in that the two blades are joined by a square headed iron rivet at the junction between the blades and handles. Each of the blades is irregular (broadly D-shape) in plan and tapered sub-rectangles in profile. Both the blades terminate is rounded points. The handles of the snuffer are integrally cast with the blade; they are sub-rectangular in shape and extend from the upper edge of the blade. The two blades are joined through a centrally positioned rivet hole in the lower edge of the handle. The edges of both blades have a series of small rivet holes around the edge. These would have held a small box or tray to extinguish the candle and hold the wick trimmings.

The blades are not decorated, however the upper of the two is marked with a flower (multi-petaled) or possibly a butterfly shaped stamp. This is slightly abraded and indistinct. The two handles also seem to be decorated with long vertical ribs contained within a sub-rectangular central panel.

The candle snuffer is a mid brown green colour with an uneven and abraded patina. It measures 82.2mm length, 42.8mm width, is 11.2mm thick and weighs 31.96 grams. A similar but not identical candle snuffer can be seen in Egan’s Material Culture in London in the age of transition, page 83 (example 345). This is dated to the period 1550-1600 by the ceramic assemblage, however a wider date range is suggested here due to the differing style of this example.