Small Funnel

[Granmaa]

There are no hallmarks on this small funnel, but the crest and patina suggest some age. Does anyone know what it's for? Refilling cruet bottles perhaps?

Miles


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[dognose]

Hi Miles,

I think they are usually refered to as perfume funnels.

Trev.
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[Granmaa]

You might be right, Trev. However, I haven't seen one this large before or as early as I assume it is. I'm surprised it's not marked, because it weighs more than your average teaspoon.

Miles
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[silverport]

Hello

I’ve seen this kind of medical “tool” in ancient doctor’s case — case filled up with several other “tools” to could assist patients at home.

Case maker of this past time made in velvet for each “tool” a functional depression. Doctor — and now collectors — had by this complete control of case contents.

Suppository contra constipation was in time gone until beginning of last century specially composed liquid. Funnel’s bowl has for that reason a depository shape.

Reason that funnel isn’t punched — I guess — it’s part of a set of tools most times locally made out of an alloy below local purity?

And picturesque engraving signification is? It’s property of Dr. Stag.

Kind regards silverport
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[Granmaa]

Hi silverport,

Are you suggesting that this funnel is to administer a suppository?
I always say that if you can't use an antique there's no point having it. In this case I would make an exception.

Miles
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[admin]

I'd imagine its only "medicinal" use was to fill whisky into a pocket flask.

Regards, Tom
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[silverport]

Hello Miles, Tom and All,

I’ve reported here what kind of similar “tools” I’ve seen in German Museum collections — Museum with very different target. Until yet I’m happy to be not blind! That’s my fifth life after four successful reanimations.

In global important cutlery collection e.g. were a set of chirurgical instruments presented as a Kings carvers tools.

In time I was a collector «novice» (1983) a sales man liked to sell a carvers tool too — but it was a hook for to could open or close gloves.

I’ve a bread tray which is used in WWII as backing form — what would you think the cake has a taste of rye bread slices?

There are thousands of examples for another use as destined.

This night it was + 34 ºC inside but some hours later it came + 28 ºC — so I’ve read first page of «Mystery Objects» question and yours play of wise answers.

There is e.g. presented a Buddha on a mechanical throne - «dragonflywink» suggest «swizzle-stick» - please read there my experience and conclusion.

If somebody need a funnel because his delirium tremens assist him to spill his highly praised Holy Spirit; why not?

But please tell me yours combined signification between Holy Spirit and engraved stag?

Somebody wrote in «Mystery objects» that we need Victorian time knowledge for to could maybe find out correct functions of objects made and used in Victorian time.

I observed in «925-1000» in between that not only I «guess! » by some answer.

I’m not high priest or Holy Father — I’m a «retired novice»! Be curious from childhood on and addicted to learn. I haven’t yours “skyscraper high knowledge”.

I think I’ve given until yet to you sufficient signs to be interested in «925-1000» activity and enlarge result.

I could stop immediately if «admin» and all experts wish to finish my contact to «925-1000».

After 15 hours English lessons only when I was a ten year old boy now I’m neither perfect in write, speak and understand yours language and the slang of silver addicted forums inner circle member.

Never — until yet — I’ve leaved Central Europe. But for medical reason I live now in Southern Europe and wrestle with my sixth language; yes, my sixth in write, speak and understand.

Kind regards silverport
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[dragonflywink]

The engraved stag would most likely be the owner's family crest.

~Cheryl
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[salmoned]

Or it could indicate the preferred brand, such as Dalmore.
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[judhael]

I have seen several small funnels of this type. They usually accompany decanters in the bar of estates I have purchased. Used for filling any decanter or flask (some wine funnels have a curved end to the tube), cruet bottles would be another use, claret jugs...you name it. Think of the large serving spoon in your kitchen drawer...you use it for stuffing, peas, potatoes, to get a mess-o-olives out of the jar...not a specific use, and this funnel could have many uses, but as I stated previously I have seen them most often in the presence of decanters. Perfume funnels tend to be a bit smaller, but this one could be used to fill a "toilet water" bottle which would be larger than your average perfume bottle, but I have also seem some huge perfume bottles. It could be a general purpose funnel, but most likely for liquor.
As for the stag? I have seen too many engraved on flatware to attribute it to any brand of liquor, it is the family crest...a common motif to engrave on your "plate" to add status and discourage pilfering.
A pretty piece.
Judhael
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