• Height:
  6 1/2 Inches
• Period:
  19th Century
• Origin:
  England/Ireland

This exceptional and extremely rare George III-period silver wax jack was crafted by renowned English silversmith John Emes. Boasting a practical yet elegant design, this ingenious item is shaped like a candlestick, with a loop handle and thumb plate, but instead feeds a coil of wax up to be easily lit and melted. The conical candle snuffer, conveniently attached with a chain, extinguishes the flame when the jack is not in use. First introduced in 1700, wax jacks were used to melt sealing wax for sealing letters in the days before adhesive envelopes. Originally made of silver, pewter, silver plate, or brass, these desk accessories were made in several different sizes and shapes. To find one of such quality and style from this period is exceptionally rare.

Hallmarked London, 1807

6 1/2" high

John Emes was one of the most respected silversmiths of the Georgian period. Apprenticed with William Woollett, he must have shown incredible talent, as he left Woolett's service in 1788 on payment of 105 pounds. This was an enormous sum in Georgian times, and one of the largest premiums ever recorded in the various registers of apprentices. His work is even commented upon in Arthur G. Grimwade's London Goldsmiths 1697-1837: Their Marks and Lives, the paramount who's who of English silversmiths. Comments of any sort are few and far between, so the fact that Emes was singled out speaks volumes about his work.