Vintage candle snuffers are elegant, functional tools, typically featuring a bell-shaped cup on a long handle to smother flames or scissor-like blades with a box to trim wicks, made from brass, silver, or porcelain, serving both practical purposes (preventing smoke/soot) and decorative ones (adding classic charm to homes) before self-trimming wicks made them less common.

Types of Vintage Snuffers

Bell Snuffers (Cup Snuffers): The classic design with a bell or cup at the end of a handle; placed over the flame to cut off oxygen, extinguishing it with minimal smoke.

Scissor Snuffers (Box Snuffers): A scissor mechanism with one blade fixed and the other movable, designed to cut the wick and catch the charred end in an attached box, preventing mess.

Figural/Decorative Snuffers: Often porcelain (like Royal Worcester) or metal, depicting characters or ornate designs, popular in Victorian eras.

Materials & Design
Metals: Most common were brass, cast iron, or steel, with precious metals like silver used for luxury items.
Porcelain: Highly decorative snuffers, sometimes with hand-painted details and gilt.
Features: Often included decorative handles (twisted, ornate) and sometimes small legs on the box to protect furniture.