Gilt Harlequin Taperstick, 1830

This is a first class example of the highly popular novelty taper sticks in the form of a harlequin holding aloft the drip pan for the capital or light holder. In this example, the finely detailed harlequin stands on a cast, domed base with flowers and scrolls. The full set of hallmarks are hidden amongst the decoration on the base, with the Barnards makers mark set apart from the rest. The quality is superb and this is a truly beautiful piece of Georgian silver that originally would have stood majestically on a desk in the library, but nowadays could be used or displayed throughout the house.