Wax jack
In an age before email and telephones, long distance communication was conducted exclusively through letter writing. George Washington penned thousands over the course of his lifetime. To protect the private and professional interests contained therein, Washington fastened each with wax. He may have used this wax jack, a specialized candle holder designed to burn long coiled tapers that provided just enough heat to melt the sealing wax, throughout his adult life.
Published ReferencesLinda Hales, "For Mount Vernon, Investment Brings Return," The Washington Post (Washington, D.C.), 21 February 2004, 2 (C).