In 18th-century England, the final gesture before sleep was extinguishing the evening’s candlelight, and chambersticks like this elegant Georgian example by renowned silversmith Hester Bateman were essential to that ritual.

This finely crafted piece features a neatly designed snuffer that hangs above the tray, preventing wax or soot from marking the surface. The snuffer, with its vase-shaped finial and graceful S-curve handle, blends practical function with refined detail. A crest depicting a calf’s head above a crown adorns the wax pan, signaling the piece’s association with English nobility. The small opening beneath the candle cup likely served as a holder for a wick trimmer, underscoring the thoughtful, utilitarian design. Chambersticks such as this not only provided necessary illumination on the nightly walk to the bedchamber but also reflected the sophistication and taste of Georgian society.

Hester Bateman, often called the “Queen of Silver,” assumed control of her family’s silversmithing workshop in 1760 after her husband’s death. Through her innovative use of workable sheet silver and her keen managerial skill, she transformed the business into one of London’s most successful workshops, continuing until her retirement in 1790.

2 candlesticks - 3 3/4” high x 6” wide x 5” deep