Because households of the day were lit by oil lamps and candles, Victorian candles often made from tallow or whale blubber had wicks that didn't burn away, so the cotton wicks needed to be frequently trimmed in order to keep the flame a reasonable size.
 
A metal candle trimmer or snuffer.
 
This pair of candletrimmers or snuffers would have been used in most houses of the day, when there was no mains electric everybody used candles and oil lamps, so could be found in most homes.
 
It has a pewter tray of the same period
 
In good working order
 
Measuring:
Snuffers 17.5cm
Tray 24cm x 11cm