51/647

Snuffers consist of scissors with a box attached. Made by Samuel Hobday, Birmingham, some time after 1818.
Snuffers were used to cut off the charred top from candles and consist of a pair of scissors with a box attached to hold the charred wick. This pair was made by Samuel Hobday of Birmingham, who was probably the first to make a pair of mechanical snuffers without springs, some time after 1818. Mechanical snuffers are designed to prevent the short wide ends falling out of the box as the blades opened.

1 pair of snuffers: metal; good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'This snuffer is one of a type developed in the early 19th century which prevented the short wide ends falling out of the box as the blades opened. They were called ‘MECHANICAL SNUFFERS’, some being worked by, and some without springs. // It was made by Samuel Hobday of Birmingham, who was probably the first to make a mechanical snuffer without springs. To quote the maker “On the short side of the snuffer are two ridges or inclined planes, one on the inner side to open the lid, and one on the outer side to shut it. The space between the inclined planes in shutting the snuffer, prevents the action of the lid till the snuff is completely conveyed into the box and in opening till the cutting part of the snuffer blade is drawn from under it.” // The snuffer dates from sometime after 1818 when this type was invented. It measures 6.75 inches in length. // See also 51/646L', No Lavinia Smith No. recorded., Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 70 // Snuffer // Lent by Museum of English Rural Life' (The catalogue description could also refer to 51/648 and 51/646), Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 71 // Snuffer // Lent by Museum of English Rural Life' (The catalogue description could also refer to 51/648 and 51/646)

Birmingham

1818-01-01 - 1818

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)