Scissors (11) - Wrought iron - Wick trimmers (Ljussax)
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Collection of 11 antique iron wick trimmers from Sweden, dating to circa 1800–1850, in wrought iron with various traditional constructions and a good condition showing signs of ageing.
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Description from the seller
Collection of 11 antique candle wick trimmers, traditionally known in Sweden as “ljussax” (wick scissors), acquired as a collection in Sweden.
The collection consists of eleven different iron and wrought-iron examples and illustrates a wide variety of traditional constructions. They include plain and ribbed wick-catching boxes, long pointed extensions for manipulating the wick, forged finger loops, decorative pierced and shaped handles, and examples originally designed to rest on small feet.
Based on their construction and comparison with documented Scandinavian examples, the collection can broadly be dated from the 18th century to the first half of the 19th century. Several examples appear to date from the late 18th century or around 1800. One particularly simple and strongly hand-forged example is probably 18th century.
One example bears a partially legible stamped inscription, apparently reading “MÅLØV” or similar. This could possibly refer to Måløv in Denmark, but the exact interpretation of the mark has not been established and no specific maker attribution is claimed.
Wick trimmers were used to cut the charred portion of a burning candle wick. The attached box caught the trimmed wick, while the pointed extension could be used to adjust or straighten it. Their use declined during the 19th century following the introduction of improved self-consuming candle wicks.
The pieces are in antique, used condition with varying degrees of oxidation, dark patina, surface wear, scratches and traces of prolonged use. They have not been aggressively cleaned or polished. On one of the older examples the original resting feet are no longer present. Please examine all photographs carefully for the individual condition of each piece.
Provenance: acquired as a private collection in Sweden.
Dimensions: the individual wick trimmers range from approximately 12 cm to 16.5 cm in length.
Total weight of the collection: 632 g.
The lot will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking and insurance.
Collection of 11 antique candle wick trimmers, traditionally known in Sweden as “ljussax” (wick scissors), acquired as a collection in Sweden.
The collection consists of eleven different iron and wrought-iron examples and illustrates a wide variety of traditional constructions. They include plain and ribbed wick-catching boxes, long pointed extensions for manipulating the wick, forged finger loops, decorative pierced and shaped handles, and examples originally designed to rest on small feet.
Based on their construction and comparison with documented Scandinavian examples, the collection can broadly be dated from the 18th century to the first half of the 19th century. Several examples appear to date from the late 18th century or around 1800. One particularly simple and strongly hand-forged example is probably 18th century.
One example bears a partially legible stamped inscription, apparently reading “MÅLØV” or similar. This could possibly refer to Måløv in Denmark, but the exact interpretation of the mark has not been established and no specific maker attribution is claimed.
Wick trimmers were used to cut the charred portion of a burning candle wick. The attached box caught the trimmed wick, while the pointed extension could be used to adjust or straighten it. Their use declined during the 19th century following the introduction of improved self-consuming candle wicks.
The pieces are in antique, used condition with varying degrees of oxidation, dark patina, surface wear, scratches and traces of prolonged use. They have not been aggressively cleaned or polished. On one of the older examples the original resting feet are no longer present. Please examine all photographs carefully for the individual condition of each piece.
Provenance: acquired as a private collection in Sweden.
Dimensions: the individual wick trimmers range from approximately 12 cm to 16.5 cm in length.
Total weight of the collection: 632 g.
The lot will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking and insurance.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Weight
632 g
Iron type
Wrought iron
Title additional information
Wick trimmers (Ljussax)
No. of items
11
Country of origin
Sweden
Material
Iron
Style
Antique
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
16.5 cm
Width
5 cm
Depth
4.5 cm
Estimated period
1800-1850
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