French Brass Snuffers

This pair of antique brass candle snuffers dates to the 19th century and carries with it the romance of an era when candlelight was the heartbeat of the home. Crafted in an elegant scissor form, the snuffers were used to trim candle wicks, a necessary ritual that ensured a steady flame, reduced smoke, and prolonged the life of precious wax tapers.

The design incorporates a small wick box along the blade, ingeniously fashioned to capture the trimmed wick without dropping ash or sparks. This practical feature made the snuffers both safe and efficient, while their graceful scrolled handles reveal the maker’s attention to artistry as well as function.

Made from solid brass, the piece has developed a warm, mellow patina from age and use. Once a domestic essential found on every mantel, desk, and bedside table, it now stands as a charming relic of daily life in the candlelit 1800s.

Details

• Origin: England or France
• Date: 19th Century (c. 1820–1880)
• Material: Solid brass with aged patina
• Design Features: Scissor form with integrated wick box; decorative scrolled handles
• Condition: Excellent functional and display condition, with surface wear consistent with age

Styling Notes

• Display atop a tray with candlesticks to create a moody vignette.
• Place in a library or study, where its utility once illuminated late-night reading.
• Pair with antique candlesticks and tapers for a styled tablescape, evoking old-world rituals.
• A perfect gift for lovers of history, ritual, and the romance of candlelight.