Chloe Adams
Candle snuffers are tools used to extinguish candle flames and avoid the mess and smoke caused by blowing them out. They first appeared in the 15th century and were commonly used until the invention of the self-trimming wick in 1825. Made of brass, copper, or pewter, candle snuffers are often elaborately decorated and are still used in homes and churches today.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First invented | Circa 1776 or the late 15th century |
| Purpose | To cut off and retain the burned wicks of candles when the wax around them had melted |
| Other names | Extinguisher, candle "douter" |
| Materials | Brass, copper, or pewter |
| Period of common use | 17th–mid-19th centuries |
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What You'll Learn
Candle snuffers were first invented in the 15th century
The invention of the candle snuffer also helped to avoid the problems associated with blowing out candles, such as hot wax and the smoke and odour of a smouldering wick. They were usually made of brass, copper, or pewter, and many were elaborately engraved.
Over time, candle snuffers became decorative items as well as functional ones. They were often made to match candlesticks and could be finely decorated with heraldry or engraved patterns. The tradition of creating a functional work of pewter art continues in modern candle snuffers today, with delicately twisted handles, basket-woven cones, and intricate etchings.
Candle snuffers were common household items, with numerous patents for snuffers known from the middle of the 18th century. They regularly reappeared with improvements until the self-trimming plaited wick was invented in 1825 by Joseph Cambacères. This wick curls over into the hottest part of the flame and burns away, making it unnecessary to trim the wick.
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They were used to cut off burned wicks
Before the invention of candles, ancient people used open fires, torches, and oil lamps to provide artificial illumination at night. The earliest evidence of candle use may be found in Italy, where a depiction of a candlestick exists in an Etruscan tomb in Orvieto, dating back to the 7th century BC. Candles of antiquity were made from various forms of natural fat, tallow, and wax, with Romans crafting true dipped candles from tallow and beeswax.
The evolution of candles continued over the centuries, with plant materials dipped in animal fat, and candles made from stearin, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, beeswax, gel, and plant waxes. In the 18th and 19th centuries, spermaceti, derived from sperm whales, produced superior candles with longer burn times, brighter light, and no offensive odours.
However, candles had their drawbacks. The wick, for example, didn't always burn, and as the candle burned down, the wick would lengthen, leading to a sooty smoke and an unpleasant smell. To address this issue, candle wicks needed to be trimmed regularly, and this was achieved through the use of candle scissors or "snuffers."
Snuffers, also known as wick trimmers, were first invented in the 15th century to cut off and retain the burned wicks of candles. They were designed with blades to cut the wick and a small box attached to one blade to catch the hot wick, preventing it from falling into the fuel and causing scorch marks or even fires. The use of a snuffer also helped to avoid the problems associated with blowing out a candle, such as hot wax splashes and sooty smoke.
Over time, snuffers became more elaborate, made from brass, copper, or pewter and often engraved with intricate patterns. They were considered essential tools in households and theatres until the first half of the 19th century, when the self-trimming wick was invented in 1825.
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They were made of brass, copper or pewter
The history of the candle snuffer is a fascinating one, dating back centuries. While the exact date of its invention is unknown, it is believed that candle snuffers came into use in the 15th century, gaining popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries. During this time, they were made from a variety of materials, including brass, copper, and pewter. These metals were chosen for their durability and heat-resistant properties, essential for handling the hot wick and molten wax.
Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, was a common choice for candle snuffers due to its golden hue and relatively low melting point, making it easier to work with during the manufacturing process. Copper, known for its high thermal conductivity, would have efficiently absorbed the heat from the wick, helping to quickly extinguish the flame. Pewter, an alloy of tin and lead, was also used, valued for its low melting point and ease of casting, which made it ideal for creating intricate designs and decorative features on snuffers.
The use of these metals also reflected the social status of the owner. Brass and copper, for example, were more expensive and often denoted a level of wealth and prestige. Elaborate designs and decorative engravings further emphasized social standing, transforming the functional tool into a status symbol within the home. Over time, candle snuffers became more than just utilitarian objects, evolving into decorative pieces in their own right.
In terms of design, early candle snuffers featured a simple bell-shaped or conical extinguisher attached to a long handle, allowing people to safely snuff out the candle flame without burning their fingers or coming into contact with hot wax. Some snuffers also incorporated a small tray or receptacle to catch any excess wax, preventing it from dripping onto furniture or the floor.
Today, candle snuffers remain popular, not only for their functional purpose but also as decorative items, evoking a sense of nostalgia and charm. While modern materials and designs have evolved, the classic beauty and functionality of brass, copper, and pewter snuffers continue to endure, linking us to a time when candlelight played a central role in daily life.
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They were often elaborately engraved
Candle snuffers, also known as extinguishers or "douters", were invented to cut off and retain the burned wicks of candles. They first appeared in the 15th century and were a common household item until the invention of the self-trimming wick in 1825.
Traditionally, candle snuffers were made of brass, copper, or pewter. They were often elaborately engraved, featuring delicately twisted handles, basket-woven cones, or beautifully etched patterns. The tradition of creating a functional work of art continues in modern candle snuffers, which are often beautifully designed and crafted.
Candle snuffers were not just functional but also decorative. They were sometimes made to match candlesticks and could be finely decorated with engravings, heraldry, or other ornamental designs. The decorative aspect of candle snuffers was valued enough that even after the invention of self-trimming wicks, they continued to be used in homes and churches.
Today, candle snuffers are still crafted with intricate details and designs. At Hampshire Pewter, for example, candle snuffers are handcrafted and feature elegant designs such as cardinals, hummingbirds, angels, and more. The process of creating these detailed designs involves hand-carving the design in wax before converting it to metal, allowing for a high level of detail and precision.
The decorative nature of candle snuffers adds to their appeal, making them a beautiful addition to any setting, whether it be a home, business, or church. The combination of functionality and aesthetics in candle snuffers showcases the evolution of a simple tool into a form of art.
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They were common household items
Candle snuffers, also known as extinguishers or "douters", were first invented in the 15th century. They were common household items as candle wicks had to be regularly trimmed to prevent the burned wick from falling into the candle and causing a large, uncontrolled flame. The invention of the candle snuffer was therefore an important safety measure for homes.
Candle snuffers were traditionally made of brass, copper, or pewter, and often elaborately engraved. They usually consisted of a small cone at the end of a handle, with some varieties featuring blades to cut the wick and a small box to catch the hot wick. The design was both decorative and functional, with intricate details and motifs.
The use of a candle snuffer helped to avoid the mess, smoke, and odour associated with blowing out a candle. They were essential in managing candle flames and preventing accidents. Over time, candle snuffers evolved and improved, with numerous patents for snuffers appearing from the middle of the 18th century onwards.
While candle snuffers were once a common household item, their necessity decreased with the invention of the self-trimming plaited wick in 1825 by Joseph Cambacères. This innovation eliminated the need for manual wick trimming, as the wick curled over into the hottest part of the flame and burned away. Despite this development, candle snuffers continued to be used and even took on new decorative forms, with intricate designs featuring animals, plants, and other motifs.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle snuffers were first invented in the 15th century, with the earliest evidence of their existence dating back to 1420.
Candle snuffers were used to cut off and retain the burned wicks of candles when the wax around them had melted. This prevented the wick from falling into the candle and creating a large, uncontrolled flame.
Traditionally, candle snuffers were made of brass, copper, or pewter. Today, they can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, wood, and ceramic.
Yes, candle snuffers are still commonly used in homes and churches to extinguish candles safely and avoid the mess and smoke associated with blowing out a candle.
