Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8

Antique 17th century sterling silver tubular nutmeg grater

About the Item

Antique 17th century sterling silver tubular nutmeg grater seamlessly blends functionality with historical charm. Crafted in England in 17th century, this exquisite item boasts a silver grater encased within its tube, while the removable lid is adorned with a meticulously hand-engraved Tudor rose. The tube itself features the palmettes decoration commonly found on small silver objects from the late 1600s, adding to its allure. Notably, while the silver remains unmarked, the base proudly carries the stamped maker's mark and is engraved with the initial letters E.A. Dimensions: Diameter x height: 2.5 x 6.1 cm Weight: 29.5 grams During the 17th century, nutmeg was highly coveted for its ability to enhance the flavor of food and drink, as well as its perceived medicinal and mystical properties. However, the Dutch controlled the entire nutmeg trade, importing it from their Dutch-owned Banda Islands in Indonesia at considerable expense. Such was the spice's importance that, in 1674, the Dutch agreed to trade the entire island of Manhattan (then known as New Amsterdam) for a small British island (Granada), where the British cultivated only a few nutmeg trees. Nutmeg's popularity soared, especially as a flavouring for "punch," wine, and ciders. Elite gentlemen of the time would carry a small silver grater in their vest pockets, containing their nutmeg supply—a display of both wealth and sophistication. Moving into the 18th and 19th centuries, nutmeg graters, along with nutmeg itself, became more widely available and were crafted from various materials, including tureen, enamel, ivory, brass, and gold. This marked a shift from the exclusive and rare nature of the earlier silver nutmeg graters, reflecting changing trends and accessibility in the production of these prized items. Condition: Minor signs of wear and tear, otherwise good condition overall.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 2.41 in (6.1 cm)Diameter: 0.99 in (2.5 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1650 - 1700
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Braintree, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2962338174702

More From This Seller

View All
Antique 17th century round circular patch box with Tudor rose
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique round patch box, crafted in sterling silver during the 17th century, is potentially from the era of Charles II. The silver circular box and cover showcase embossing featuring a Tudor Rose within a bordered design. The interior is hallmarked with the maker's mark I.F, and the base bears the initial letters C.W. It was likely made in London around the 1680s. Dimensions: Diameter x height: 2.8 x 1.4 cm Weight: 6.9 grams Condition: Minor signs of wear and tear, interior has blemishes, otherwise good condition overall. Patch boxes, popularized during the 17th century, held significant cultural and historical relevance. These small, often round, containers were crafted to store small patches or beauty spots, which were fashionable accessories worn by both men and women during this era. Patches were made from silk or velvet and were applied to the face to cover blemishes or enhance facial features. The 17th century was marked by an increased focus on personal grooming and beauty, and patch boxes became essential accessories for those seeking to adhere to contemporary fashion standards. The Tudor Rose, a prominent symbol embossed on many patch boxes from this period, carried special significance. The Tudor Rose is a combination of the white rose of York and the red rose of Lancaster, symbolizing the union of the two warring houses during the Wars of the Roses, which ended with the establishment of the Tudor dynasty...
Category

Antique 1680s British Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Antique Early 20th Century Sterling Silver Flask
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Early 20th century sterling silver flask. Made in Europe, most likely Spain, Circa 1920-1930's. Hallmarked with a star, Spanish silver hallmark. X-Ray Tested Confirmed ...
Category

Vintage 1910s Spanish Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique 18th century agate and sterling silver snuff box
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique 18th century agate and sterling silver snuff box. made in Circa 1780s Dimensions: Length x width x depth: 8 x 6.2 x 1.7 cm Weight: 90 grams Condition: The set is pre-owned,...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Sterling Silver

Materials

Agate, Silver

Late 20th century 925 sterling silver bowl
Located in Braintree, GB
Late 20th century 925 sterling silver bowl by Victoria Silverware Ltd. Made in England, Birmingham, 1996 Fully hallmarked. Dimensions: Height: 13.3 cm Width: 16.5 cm Weight: 368 g...
Category

1990s British Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Antique sterling silver grape scissors
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique sterling silver grape scissors featuring ornate floral engravings on the handles and a plain blade. Specifications: Material: S...
Category

20th Century Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Cigar Case
By Edward Smith
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Victorian sterling silver cigar case Made in Birmingham, 1845 Maker: Edward Smith Fully hallmarked. Case has an inscription 'James Forbes Leith, From his Sister, 10th Decembe...
Category

Antique 1840s British Victorian Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

You May Also Like

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Nutmeg Grater
By Charles Rawlings & William Summers
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver nutmeg grater; an addition to our silver boxes collection This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver nutmeg grater has a rectangular rounded form. The exterior surface of the silver box is embellished with a semi-circular domed grating grille. The box is fitted with a plain hallmarked semi-circular cover; allowing grater's contents. This exceptiopnal antique nutmeg grater...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Gorham Victorian Sterling Silver Nutmeg Grater
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian sterling silver nutmeg grater. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1900. Ovoid and lobed; cover hinged and tabbed. Interior has hi...
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Samuel Pemberton 1807 Sterling Silver Nutmeg Grater
By Samuel Pemberton
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine, and impressive, large antique Georgian English sterling silver nutmeg grater made by Samuel Pemberton; an addition to our si...
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

17th Century Antique Charles I Sterling Silver Goblet, 1630
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique Charles I English sterling silver goblet; an addition to our collectable range of 17th century silverware. This exceptional antique Charles I sterling silver goblet / wine cup has a tapering cylindrical bell-shaped form onto a circular knopped pedestal and swept circular foot. The surface of this antique silver goblet...
Category

Antique 17th Century English Other Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

17th Century Sterling Silver Child's Mug
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Charles II sterling silver child's mug, an addition to our silverware collection. This exceptional antique Charles II sterling silver mug has a cylindrical tapering form with a flared rim. The surface of this hand raised silver mug is embellished with the later engraved cartouche and initials 'EM'. This 17th century silver mug is fitted with an impressive sterling silver S-scroll handle ornamented with the contemporary engraved initials 'BC' to the upper portion. This antique silver mug...
Category

Antique 1670s British Charles II Pitchers

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Charles II 17th Century Sterling Silver Porringer Cup, 1679
Located in London, GB
An impressive Antique Charles II sterling Silver Porringer of substantial size decorated with a chased stylised leaf pattern around the base and a chased band around the middle of th...
Category

Antique 17th Century English Charles II Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Recently Viewed

View All