Snuffers

Date1782-1794

Maker William & George Richardson

MediumSilver

DimensionsH: 1 5/8"; L: 6 3/4"; W: 2 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1955-164

DescriptionSnuffers: scissor-like snuffers with pointed end, arched wick chamber and circular finger guards; 3 reel-shaped legs on ball feet.
Label TextThese snuffers, the work of Richmond, Virginia, silversmiths William and George Richardson, carry a tradition of descent in the Lightfoot, Minge, and Bolling families of Virginia. The snuffers were acquired with a snuffer tray of 1749/50 by Simon Jouet of London (CWF accession 1955-163) and a pair of candlesticks of 1748/49, probably by William Gould of London (accession 1955-162). The tray and the candlesticks are each engraved with the arms of the Lightfoot family and are believed to have been originally owned by William Lightfoot (1722-before 1771) of Teddington, Charles City County, and Yorktown.
InscribedNone
MarkingsOn back of wick press: "W&GR" in rectangle.
ProvenanceBelonged to Lightfoot family of Teddington, Charles City County. Descended through Sarah Stewart Lightfoot Minge to daughter Sarah Melville Minge (1813-1831) to her husband Robert B. Bolling of Petersburg to Elise H. Bolling. See also Memo, Mary Goodwin to Curator, Re: Lightfoot Family, July 6, 1955.
Vendor: Miss Elise H. Bolling, Richmond, VA