John Walraven
Candle Snuffer
1789-1799
Physical Qualities
Silver, 6 7/8 x 2 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (17.5 x 6.4 x 3.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Edward Venable
Object Number
1945.60
Expensive candles, a significant source of illumination well into the 19th century, merited having elaborate snuffers to extinguish the flames when no longer needed. This snuffer once belonged to a member of the John Eager Howard family of Baltimore, and it bears the engraved Howard crest.
Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1945; Helen Skipwith Wilmer Venable (1852-1923) by descent, Baltimore, MD; John Eager Howard (1752-1827), Baltimore, MD owner
Jennifer Faulds Goldsborough, "Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Maryland Silver in the Collection of The Baltimore Museum of Art." Baltimore: The Baltimore Museum of Art, 1975. p. 75, ill.
Pleasants and Sill, p. 191 & pl. XLIV, no. 2
Inscribed: Engraved crest: Howard, for a member of the John Eager Howard family of Baltimore
Markings: Mark "JWalraven" spread eagle in shaped reserve, both struck on side of snuffer
On View at the BMA
