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Pair of scissor snuffers, pale yellow silver gilt, standing on three stud feet, cast scroll handles, prominent central Tudor rose boss containing a spring, side and top of the snuffer box cast with panels of flowers, foliage and floriate scrolls on a matted ground, the ends and the steel-edged flange plate chased with flowers and foliage, pointed end section ornamented with a flower head.

This spectacular toilet service was given as a gift by Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn’s mother to her new daughter-in-law, Henrietta Somerset, in 1768. Silver toilet services, comprising a mirror, candlesticks and boxes for jewellery and patches, became a symbol of rank and high status from the 1660s. They were displayed on dressing tables with rich lace covers. Thomas Heming was principal goldsmith to the King, and this service is similar to the one he had made two years earlier for the Queen of Denmark.