Stock No. 2998	George II silver cast taperstick with shell corners
	Charming and graceful George II sterling silver cast four-shell taperstick. London 1755 by John Cafe. The shaped square base is chased with a shell at each corner. The baluster stem has a circular base with a double reeded border which is echoed on the plain circular knop and on the vase-shaped socket. The stem between the knop and the shoulder is octagonally faceted. The shaped square shoulder is chased with a shell at each corner. The taperstick has a detachable shaped square nozzle with a shell at each corner. The full set of hallmarks are very clearly stamped on the reverse side of the base and form a square around the base of the stem.
	Maker :- John Cafe

Condition :-Excellent condition with good colour and clear hallmarks
Hallmarked :- London 1755
Size :- Base 2.8 ins (7.1 cm) square x 4.8 ins (12.19 cm) high
Weight :- 4.67 ozt (145.1 g)
John Cafe was apprenticed to James Gould, an excellent candlestick maker, in 1730. John and his younger brother William who was apprenticed to him, appeared to have a virtual monopoly in the making of cast candlesticks during their time. Tapersticks first came into use around 1685 and died out around 1775, except as part of an inkstand, when they were succeeded by the wax-jack. They were used on the writing desk to hold the taper which melted the sealing wax for letters. Initially, they also had a secondary use as a means of lighting the way to bed but were soon superceded by the more stable chamberstick. Tapersticks on the whole followed the designs of the various forms of table candlesticks. To-day, they are highly collectable, make excellent presents and look charming mixed with larger candlesticks on the dining table.

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