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RARE C 1700 IRON TAPER JACK, WAX JACK, BRIGHT CUT DECOR
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RARE C 1700 IRON TAPER JACK, WAX JACK, BRIGHT CUT DECOR
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A VERY FINE & RARE IRON TAPER JACK WITH WHITESMITH CUTS! CIRCA 1650-1725!! In Antique Iron , 1979, pg.287, author Herbert Schiffer points out, "This iron taper or snake jack is far rarer than a brass or silver one. A long taper was twistedaround the column and secured at the upper end in the spring-tightened clamp." Schiffer was talking about an example in his book, but could have easily been referring to this superb example. It is very similar and, one of the finest wax jacks that I have ever encountered. Its presentation is AWESOME ! Standing approximately 6.25" tall , its round cornered drip ledge about 3.25" x 3.5" . It measures about 5.25" wide across its "broad heart" shaped jaws and spring tensioned handles. It is in excellent well used condition with no cracks, breaks or repairs. Its four gently curved legs are solid and secure, but "wiggle" slightly due to generations of use wear. With slightly pitted surfaces, as expected in an iron device that is approximately 300 years old, it exhibits an appealing deep gray to black patina. Absolutely beautiful with its salmon colored taper coil, it still functions perfectly! As written communication became more necessary and important in the 17th century, the wax jack was developed. Since letters were sent without envelopes, they were sealed with a small pool of melted sealing wax into which the writer customarily pressed his initials or seal. The lighted taper in the wax jack provided heat to melt the sealing wax. The spring loaded jaws of the jack kept the taper in a useful vertical position and only permitted it to burn as far as the surface of the jaws. This extraordinary taper jack is of beautiful form! Its finger arms are "bright cut" decorated, with one arm terminating in a unique hook for hanging storage when not in use! Its scissor-action jaws are broad heart or leaf shaped . The drip ledge is substantial and secures 4 legs which are forge peened through.The overall artistic effect could stand alone as an impressive, three dimensional work of fine sculpture! SIMPLY FANTASTIC!! **Check other auctions @ echodale for more Great Lighting!!** A very similar "late 17th-early 18th century example in Caspall's Making Fire and Light , 1987, pg 258 
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