A RARE LATE 17TH CENTURY COMBINED SNUFFERS STAND AND CANDLE HOLDER, COMPLETE WITH ORIGINAL SNUFFERS, MAKER'S MARK ONLY STRUCK SEVERAL TIMES, WB, A MULLET BELOW IN A SHAPED SURROUND (JACKSON, 1989 EDITION, P. 141, LINE 5), LONDON, CIRCA 1685 |

the moulded octagonal base supporting a short baluster stem above lobes, the snuffers holder engraved on one side with a contemporary coat-of-arms and feather cartouche between an applied scroll handle and a candle holder, the underside with scratch weight '11=17,' the snuffers of typical scissors form, the box engraved with a contemporary cockerel crest

The property of Dr. C.H. Lewis of Toronto, Canada, sold Sotheby's, London, 14 December 1967, lot 123 (£3,000, Shrubsole)
S.J. Shrubsole, London, 1967
Christie's, New York, 23 October 2000, lot 286

Apollo, London, March 1968, p. 235, illustrated

Maker's marks only; struck twice on the body of the stand, twice to the underside, twice to the handle junctions of the scissors, and three times to the interior of the scissors. Possible old repair to lower stem junction. A few nicks and light scratches throughout. Good crisp engraving. Wear commensurate with age and good condition overall.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Examples of late 17th century English silver snuffers stands with snuffers and attached candle holders are exceptionally rare. Three examples with conical extinguishers included, one of which is also maker’s mark WB, a mullet below, London, 1688, are in the Assheton Bennett Collection in Manchester City Art Gallery. (See John F. Hayward, ‘English Silver in the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Assheton Bennett,’ Connoisseur, London, June 1956, pp. 223-228) The unascribed maker’s mark, WB, a mullet below, has been recorded on several silver sugar casters, all with London hallmarks between 1682 and 1688 (for example, Sotheby’s, London, 8 June 1972, lot 82; Christie’s, London, 8 July 1987, lot 221). In fact, the maker WB, a mullet below, seems to have been one of the first English silversmiths to have produced sets of three casters.The impression of this mark in Jackson (1989, p. 141, line 5) was clearly drawn from a badly struck or indistinct example, whereas two or three of the nine struck on this snuffers stand and snuffers are very clear.

Dr. C.H. Lewis, who graduated from Queen’s University, Ontario and received his Specialist’s Certificate in Psychiatry from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, was eventually appointed consultant psychiatrist in the Mental Health Division of the Canadian Department of Health. His retirement coincided with the sale of his collection of mostly early 18th century English silver at Sotheby’s, London on 14 December 1967, lots 99 to 126. The present snuffers stand and snuffers (lot 123) were outstripped in price by only one lot (116): a set of four silver-gilt candlesticks, Thomas Folkingham, London, 1725 and circa which realized £5,500 (Partridge). These sticks have since reappeared twice at auction at Christie’s, London: first on 26 November 1980, lot 106 (£11,000) and second on 9 December 2010, lot 45 (£25,000).