A very rare George III Storm Chamberstick made in London in 1779 by Richard Carter, Daniel Smith & Robert Sharp.

Storm Chambersticks, made during the 18th century, are especially rare and were used in large draughty country houses where candles were frequently extinguished on the journey to bed, the design incorporating a glass shade to protect the candle light.

This example comes from the beautiful beaded period and displays a circular base, with raised beaded rim. The centre displays a beaded candle socket which unscrews for cleaning. The outer shade cradle is decorated with a beaded base and rim and is also pierced with a lower band of scroll work. The side scroll handle displays a beaded thumb piece and has a beaded conical extinguisher attached, which terminates in an urn finial. Each has a tall baluster glass candle shade. Both the base and extinguisher are engraved with a contemporary Crest. The chamberstick is in excellent condition and is fully marked on the base and with the sterling mark and leopard's head on the extinguisher. John Carter, Daniel Smith & Robert Sharp all enjoyed the patronage of George III and, especially, the Prince of Wales, later George IV.

The Crest is that as used by Sir Edward Astley 1729-1802, 4th Baronet of Melton Constable Hall, Norfolk. He was admitted to Pembroke College, Cambridge, and he succeeded his father as the 4th Baronet. He was appointed High Sheriff of Norfolk and stood as M.P. for Norfolk, a seat which he held until he retired. Sir Edward married the famous aristocratic beauty, and painter, Rhoda Delaval. She was the daughter of Captain Francis Blake Delaval and studied painting under Arthur Pond. Paintings of the 4th Baronet and Lady Delaval Astley, at her easel, are shown. They were known for their fabulous wealth and their seat was Melton Constable Hall in Norfolk, considered to be the finest Restoration house in the Christopher Wren style. Through their marriage, Seaton Delaval became their second seat and is located in Northumberland. This magnificent house was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and we are sure that a s storm chamberstick would have been needed there ! When in London, they resided at 11, Downing Street, today, the official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Images of Melton Constable Hall and Seaton Delaval are enclosed.

Base Diameter: 5.5 inches, 13.75 cm.
Height, to the top of the candle socket: 2.5 inches, 6.25 cm.
Height, to the top of the glass shade: 10 inches, 25cm.
Weight: 10oz.