Wick trimmer (2)
Small wick trimmer
Name/Title
Wick trimmer (2)Entry/Object ID
2025.1.603Description
Metal scissor-like instrument to trim wicks. One blade has a small flat cup to catch the excess wick as it is trimmed.Context
Probably used by most of our great-grandmothers to trim the household lamps and candles, which was the only source of light at night until the 20th century. Families were likely to have had more than one pair and it was a daily task to ensure that the wicks were in good order. Most vintage wick trimmers are made of brass or black iron, although some especially decorative ones were plated in silver. According the Herald online "....in Victorian times, a wick trimmer was the sort of small item that was often given as guest or holiday gifts."Category
Domestic