William And Mary Silver Nutmeg Grater

Object Description

A William and Mary teardrop shape silver nutmeg grater with steel rasp. With a hinged lid either side. One lid is engraved with a tulip flower, the other has no engraving.
Weight 37 grams, 1.1 troy ounce.
Height 2 cm. Top 4.2 x 3 cm. Spread across the hinge 4.5 cm.
Stamped inside of the lids with makers mark only “ME” conjoined between pellets, bird above, cinquefoil below, in lozenge shaped shield. Probably Mary Elliott.
Circa 1690. Mark references Jackson 1989 p.144.04, David Mitchell “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”

MARY ELLIOTT
Mary Elliott, probably the widow of plateworker Thomas Elliott, no mention of apprenticeship or freedom. Working until 1695/6.

Object Literature

The tulip motif was popular during this period, as William of Orange (Netherlands) had taken the throne of England, as William III, with his wife Queen Mary II.

Object Condition

The silver box is in very good condition. Both hinges work well. The makers mark is clear.
Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Object Details