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This silver scissor-action candle snuffer is ornately patterned, has a few small scratches, is a bit tarnished and there is a bit of a bend in the point. All in all it is in good condition for something probably around 200 years old! It bears the hallmark of silversmith William W Gilbert of New York, 1746-1832. You can read about him at: http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/william-gilbert-silversmith-of-new-york/
The hallmark is quite distinctive, being the name 'Gilbert' in cursive script. It looks like this:
except that on this piece it is imprinted in two lines 'Gil-' on the top line and 'bert' below that. The hallmark is about 3 mm [1/8th inch] across and is repeated on both sides of the surface behind the box that catches the charred wick. Between the two hallmarks there is a symbol about 2mm square comprising a triangle with a cross below. The whole thing is 190mm [7 1/2 inches] long.
Does anyone know whether this piece is of more than curiosity value?
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