George III Antique Sterling Silver Nutmeg Grater 1799 Thomas Willmore

An impressive George III Antique Sterling Silver Nutmeg Grater of rectangular form. The grater is of plain form, a hinged lid which has shaped corners. The hinged hallmarked cover opens to reveal the steel grating grille.

The underside of the box bears a secondary hallmarked flush hinged cover which allows access to the grated nutmeg; the flush hinge indicates the high quality of the piece. Dimensions Length 1.37 inches, 3.5 cm, Width 0.98 inches , 2.5 cm, Height 0 .78 inches , 2 cm

A nutmeg grater is a device used to grate a nutmeg seed. Nutmeg graters are normally metal, cylindrical or half-cylindrical, the surface perforated with small rasped holes. The nutmeg is passed over the surface to grate. The grater may be combined with a compartment for storing the nutmeg seed between uses. 

In the late 17th century nutmeg and nutmeg graters became associated with drinking punch, at that time a fashionable alcoholic beverage. Through the 18th century it was the fashion for men to carry nutmeg in a pocket-sized silver container equipped with a grater in order to add freshly grated nutmeg to punch. 

Maker: THOMAS WILLMORE, BIRMINGHAM

Origin: Birmingham

Year: 1799

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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