What-is-it question.

[2209patrick]

Slow night on the forum so I thought post a what-is-it question.
Saw this picture in a 20 year old magazine. If they had not told what it is, I would never have guessed it. It's Old Sheffield Plate, c.1828.
Any guesses?



I'll post the answer tomorrow afternoon.
Pat.
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[Kit]

Okay, I'll bite. It's a tabletop distillery. :)

Kit
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[2209patrick]

No, it's not a tabletop distillery, but you're headed in the right direction.

Pat.
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[dognose]

Hi Pat,
Could it be a port decanter?
Regards Trev.
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[2209patrick]

Hello Trev. No it's not a port decanter, but it was meant to hold a liquid.
I'm starting to feel guilty about posting this item, so here's another clue. The temperature of the liquid is important.

Pat.
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[Waylander]

Boiling water? Tea? Coffee?

Waylander
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[Kit]

Tsk tsk Waylander, no fair rapid-fire guessing like that. Brandy? Rum? Whiskey? Definitely a hot toddy dispenser.
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[dragonflywink]

Given the resemblance to a steam engine - is it a coffee steamer/espresso maker/milk frother type devise?

Cheryl ;o)
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[dognose]

The more I think the more confused I become, I thought Kit cracked it with the brandy warmer theory, but the piece would have to be of huge proportions to enable a glass to fit under the tap, unless of course it was designed to rest on the edge of a table, also what surprises me is that it is made from Sheffield Plate, I would have thought the cost of this item was in its workmanship, not its materials, so why skimp and not use silver?
I remain confused and eagerly await the answer,
Trev.
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[2209patrick]

I didn't realize, until I read Trev's last post, that I neglected to give the size of the piece. Sorry about that. It is of huge proportions. It's a coffee maker.


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[dognose]

Excellent Pat, I would never have guessed,
Trev.
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[Kit]

Delightful! And thank you Pat for a nice diversion. Kit
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[Waylander]

Sorry for the multi guesses Kit :)

All I can say is..."I want one"!

Waylander
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