This implement is today's MYSTERY OBJECT. It is not really ancient - it is English and dates from the High Victorian period, which will give you a good clue as to dating. It is heavily silver plated, with a silver mount (not hallmarked) midway along it. The handle is of ivory and is heavily cracked, which doesn't stop it doing its job - usually at Christmas, when it is taken out, cleaned (at Ann's insistence), and used. It is almost eleven inches long, and, like most Victorian objects it is well made and practical. The mechanical business end is shown in the two pictures below in their two positions. I think these pictures should enable you to work out its purpose.
The object below is of treen (probably a pale fruitwood, or sycamore) with the business end reinforced with a plain, well made, sheet silver mount. It is earlier than the one above (dating from around 1790),much simpler, and rather smaller (at just under eight and a half inches), but serves the same purpose. This one is now retired.
Good guessing, as to the purpose of these two objects, and the date of the above one.
11 comments:
I wanted to have a go at guessing what this is...I have no idea.
Hi Liz. Suggest you consult Sir Bruin. Given his tastes, he might be able to help you.
a) The immobilised weight, the reporter's desire?
b) 1793????
Are they both types of Stilton scoop?
We've just sold a lovely old Victorian marmalade rind cutter - should have produced it as a mystery object.
Hello Crowbard. Didn't quite get that?
Hello Rog. Spot on. that's just what they are. Try a date for the upper one (it's more you pigeon than mine, I think).
Hi Crowbard. Sorry to be slow. Worked it out, and yes, you are quite right. Would you care to hazard a guess at the date of the top one?
Sorry to be cryptic Mike, but I thought it would either give another clue or leave the field clear for other folk's suggestions.
You say the first item is High Victorian so it was made on Friday, December 13, 1861, the highest of Victorian days. (Since on the next day Prince Albert died and the whole world sank into years of mourning.)
I do quite see your reasoning Crowbard; but only because I have become accustomed to the way your mind works/functions (?), after the last sixty eight years or so.
In fact I would think the mystery item was made somewhere between the date you give and around 1880-ish roughly.
I thought it was for toasting marsmallows.
I thought it was for toasting marsmallows.
Hello Pat. perhaps Ann thinks the same, and that is why she insists on it being destickified every Christmas before use?
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