About this lot

Description

maker's mark indistinct, possibly by Susannah Barker, London 1786, of navette form, the fully marked hinged cover with a border of bright cut engraving opens to reveal the steel rasp, the plain body with a single border of bright cut engraving, the underside bordered by bright cut engraving, and with two engraved cross bands, one disguising a concealed hinge allowing access to the interior for storage of the nutmeg seed and collection of the powder, 1.3ozt

Footnote: Other notes: Nutmeg became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries amongst the upper classes when it was added to alcoholic beverages such as punch, 'cyder', pale wines and ales. At that time, it was the fashion for men to carry nutmeg in a pocket-sized silver container equipped with a steel grater, in order to add freshly grated nutmeg to their drinks wherever they may be. Adding nutmeg to drinks was not just to enhance the flavour; in quantity, it is a mild hallucinogenic - hence the expression, 'to spice up a party".

Condition report: Cover: Generally in good condition. Hinge works well and unstrained. Cover closes and opens firmly Rasp: In good condition with some minor rust staining Body: Some minor dings and scuffs as to be expected. No obvious signs of damage or repair. Base: A minor dent to the centre. Hinge works well and unstrained. Opens and closes firmly

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