Here we have a fine quality Pair of Edwardian Sterling Silver Tapersticks. The sticks are in the Georgian Revival style and have square bases with indented corners (weighted for stability), octagonal stems with two knops and urn shaped sconces with removable drip trays. There are no initials or personalisation of any kind.

Tapersticks were designed to hold slender candles or tapers and were usually found on dressing tables for light or on desks where they were also used to melt sealing wax.

The tapersticks were made in Sheffield by renowned silversmiths Hawksworth, Eyre & Co and date to 1902. The firm traced its origins back to Blagden, Hodgson & Co who were founded in the 1780s. Charles Hawksworth and John Eyre took control of the company in 1821 and renamed it Hawksworth, Eyre & Co in 1833. They began as Sheffield Platers, then later as electroplaters and silversmiths. They exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851 and were very highly regarded. The company ceased trading in 1933.

Condition is good, with just a few tiny dings plus the superficial surface wear that has to be expected after over 120 years of use. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The tapersticks stand 11.4cm / 4.5ins high and the bases are 6.5cm / 2.5ins square. Together they weigh in at 210.2g / 7.4oz but this does of course include the weighting material in the bases.

The hallmarks, on the sides of the bases, are a little rubbed but can still be read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the crown assay mark for Sheffield, the date letter k for 1902 and the distinctive H.E Ld makers' mark for Hawksworth, Eyre & Co Ltd.