Chamberstick with snuffers (one of a pair) 1792

This chamberstick with snuffers was crafted in New York by John Scofield in the late 18th century. Before widespread electrification, candlelight defined the rhythms of life, so objects like this were of everyday use. But as a luxury item made of precious metal, it speaks volumes about the social hierarchies of the time. The chamberstick is more than just a functional object; it’s a statement of wealth and status. Its elegant design and the inclusion of snuffers, used to trim the candle wick, highlight the refined habits of the upper class. Consider the social conditions that enabled Scofield to produce such items. Think about the economic structures that concentrated wealth in the hands of a few, creating a market for luxury goods. To fully understand this chamberstick, we might delve into period inventories, account books, and other historical documents. These resources can reveal not only the object's original value but also its place in the social and economic life of its time.