Description:
Pair of silver tapersticks with square, shaped bobeches with a molded leaf in the four corners, ornate shaft, and seven-lobed shells in the four corners of the base, which is marked "IC" for John Cafe of London. Small taper candlesticks or tapersticks first appeared in the late 17th century. Since their primary function was holding the slender tapers used for melting sealing wax, they often accompanied a standish or inkstand. John Cafe was apprenticed to James Gould in 1730 and free in 1740 when he entered his first mark. On his death in 1757, his apprentices were turned over to his brother, William Cafe, who himself had apprenticed with John Cafe from 1742-1746. Both brothers specialized in candlesticks and used indistinguishable cast candlesticks. Also see similar Cafe taperstick (HD P.052) and candlesticks (HD 84.038-84.039).

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