Taperstick 1798 - 1799

This "Taperstick" (1798-1799) is a silver candlestick made by the firm Nathaniel Smith and Company. The piece is a decorative example of a candlestick, often used to light homes in the late 18th century. It features a small chain connecting a detachable snuffer to the candlestick, which would have been used to extinguish the candle flame. This piece, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, reflects a common household object of the time.