Wax jack
A wax jack (wax-jack, taper-jack[2]) is a device used to hold a taper of sealing wax intended to create sealings on documents.
The wax jack was first introduced in 1700.[3] Before that time a simple taper was used in a loose ball. Despite the resemblance to a candle, they were not used for illumination. Although common in England and Europe, they were not used much in North America.[4]
Most early wax jacks were worked by silversmiths,[5] although later models also exist in other metals such as iron, brass or bell metal.
Description
[edit | edit source]A wax jack was a vertical or horizontal shaft around which a thin beeswax taper was coiled. The top end protruded through a hole in a pan that had a pincer to hold the taper in place. This allowed the taper to be lit and the resulting puddle of wax easily controlled. Some models, called "bougie boxes," had a pierced enclosure around the shaft to protect the taper. They were often used when travelling,[2] and to protect the taper from mice.[6] Others included a snuffer.[4]
References
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External links
[edit | edit source]
- Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- US patent D244056, Louis Phillip Jimenez & Charles Houck, "Combined taper and holder therefor", published Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).