Object Description
This is an exceptional and rare antique English silver plated shell shaped spoon warmer, bearing Victorian Diamond Registration Marks for 24th November 1868.
At a time when the kitchens were generally set far from dining rooms, it was of great importance that food be kept warm while being brought to the rarely heated dining rooms. Apart from the large variety of dishes that had hot water compartments so the enchanting spoon warmers were invented. Filled also with hot water in the kitchen, they were brought to the table along with the serving spoon(s) which were stored in them until being used and so kept warm.
A Victorian invention, of course, considered one of the essential “fancies” to every well-run household, the spoon warmer was very popular. One of a variety of articles created for the demanding and expanding middle class. Silver was seen as a measure of social status and the status conscious were eager to display their new found wealth. There could never be too many objects, you know, as dining rooms were meant to impress. So many glistening objects piled up on sideboards and dining table.
Condition:
In excellent condition with clear registration marks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 14 x Width 11.8 x Depth 19
Dimensions in inches:
Height 5 inches x Width 5 inches x Depth 7 inches
Victorian Registration Mark
Unlike silver items, there is no date letter on silverplate allowing you to recognize the date of its manufacture.
For silverplate items the patent’s date of registered models may be useful for an approximate dating.
The ‘lozenge’ mark used between 1842 and 1883 to certify the patent of the models registered by the UK Patent Office allows the identification of day, month and year of their registration.
Our reference: A2883