A taper jack with a red candle coiled into it. The silver stand has a handle to tighten the coil of the candle.
This taper jack was made in England circa 1785-1805. It is Sheffield plate (fused silverplate on copper). The taper jack is designed to hold a coil of candle, with a reservoir to collect the melting wax. The whole thing tips so you can seal letters with the wax. It’s a good example of a multipurpose object that is elegant as well as functional.
In the photo above you'll see the stand has a handle to tighten the coil of the candle, as well as a silver finger loop for carrying it.
