What-is-it question XVIII.

[2209patrick]

This piece was made in 1884 by the Wilcox Silver Plate Company, Meriden, Connecticut. It is 19.25 inches tall.
The cover is raised by pulling on the chain.
Looking for the name used for this type of item from about 1878 to 1900.



Pat.
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[Granmaa]

An egg coddler perhaps?

Miles
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[2209patrick]

Good idea Miles, but it's not an egg coddler.

Pat.
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[carling]

Is it a rather fussy version of one of the characters from the classic 70s Cadbury's Smash ad?



Watch one of the ads....

http://www.classictvads.co.uk/smash.htm


carling

[2209patrick]

That's funny Carling.

Your link doesn't work for me here in the U.S. Could that be Cadbury's chocolate? Good stuff!

Pat.
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[carling]

Yes, Pat, it's the same people who make the best chocolate in the world.

The version of the ad above requires Real Player so I've converted it for Windows Media Player. If you still can't see it let me know and I'll see if I can do a version for valve sets.

Cadbury's Smash Ad

carling
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[2209patrick]

A whole day and no one's guessed it. Guess I better give a clue.

Here's a scan of two similar pieces.



The piece on the left was made about 1896 by the Wilcox Silver Plate Company. It is 10.5 inches high. Cover opens when the handle is pulled back.

The one on the right was made in 1879 by the Meriden Britannia Company. It is 9 inches high. The cover opens like a roll-top desk.

Pat.
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[Granmaa]

Something to keep food warm?



Just to clarify for those who can't watch the advertisement; Smash is a powdered mash potato mix. It's not made anymore.
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[2209patrick]

No, these items do not keep food warm.
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[2209patrick]

I'm surprised no one guessed a butter dish, but that's not it either.
These items did not hold food.

Refering to the last picture and the item on the right. When the roll-top is opened a drawer also opens on the bottom at the same time.

Pat.
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[Granmaa]

An ice cube holder?

You can tell I'm clutching at straws!

Miles
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[2209patrick]

Sorry Miles. it's not an ice cube holder

Most of these fascinating silverplated pieces were made between 1877 and 1900 in America. These had different types of mechanical gadgets for opening the cover. Many of which were patented. They took the form of chains, gears, rods, and handles which, when pulled or pushed, automatically opened the cover or drawer.



These items were called "Jewel Caskets". After 1900, the boxes got much simpler and were just called jewelry boxes.

Pat.
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[dragonflywink]

They all look like jewelry caskets to me.

Cheryl ;o)
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[dragonflywink]

Ops, too late!
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[2209patrick]

Sorry about that Cheryl. Well done though!

Let's call the one minute difference on our posts a tie. So, I think we can give you credit for preserving our perfect record here on the Mystery Objects board.

Pat.
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[Granmaa]

I've never seen one like it; I wonder if they were made in England.

Miles

PS I'm afraid my "Fish serving piece" hasn't been solved yet.
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[dragonflywink]

Not sure if I've seen English examples, pretty typical of over-the-top late 19th century American silverplate, sometimes seemed like they'd just use as many varied design elements and assorted gimmickry as possible.

Cheryl ;o)
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