A very rare William III Snuffer and Stand, by Joseph Bird, London, 1699. I write it all out like that so that finicky buyers can be assured that it is what we call "one date and maker." Because the making of snuffers seems to have been something of a specialized skill, the stands and the snuffers were often by different makers. Finding a set where that is not the case, as here, is remarkably difficult. This example compares favorably with that at the Met, and with another we bought at Christie's in 2012.<br /><br />

The crest is that of Bradshaw, probably for Sir Roger Bradshaigh of Haigh, co. Lancaster, 3rd Baronet (1675-1747). The title became extinct on the death of the fourth Baronet in circa 1779.<br /><br />

The family seat was, Haigh Hall, Haigh, Lancashire.