What is this thing?

[vbcepoloway]

Have this item from Poole Silver Co that I'm trying to identify, price, and properly describe. I'm thinking it's some kind of warmer, but not too sure. Is anyone familiar with this? Images can be viewed at

http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/43bf5b31 ... DBZUO.UCv8
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/vbcepolow ... pg&.src=ph

The images show the "Lion" mark on the top lid, as well as the Poole name on the bottom, with the number "75" stamped on it.
Thanks for any help that anyone can offer.[/img][/code][/url]

[dragonflywink]

It's a silent butler, can remember my Mom using one in the '60s to empty all the ashtrays at parties.

Cheryl ;o)

[vbcepoloway]

A Silent Butler...OKaaayy. That's only fitting, a strange-looking item with a strange-sounding name!! Thanks so much for your help Cheryl. I was thinking "surely you wouldn't use a silver item to dump butts into", but if you've got neighbors to impress, What The Heck! (LOL!).

Thanks again.
Brent
P.S. - Just noticed somebody repaired my photo links. Thanks, much appreciated. It was getting very late when I posted, and I was just getting too tired to mess any more with it.

[vbcepoloway]

Would just like to say that the information given in the response I received, although seemingly small, was immensely helpful to me. I have now been pointed in the right direction in my research of this item, and am very grateful. I had been looking in quite a few places for quite a while for info on this item, and it was a little bewildering until I came across your forum. I appreciate the knowledgeable input of your forum participants.
Sincerely,
Brent

[vbcepoloway]

One more question. Haven't found any further info on what the stamping on the bottom refers to. The "E.P.C." above the Poole Silver Co. name, and the number "75" below it. I'm thinking the "75" is likely a model number (more or less), but I have no idea what the "EPC" refers to. Thanks for any assistance.
Brent

[admin]

Hi,
Yes, 75 is likely to be a product or design number. EPC stands for Electro-Plated Copper.
Regards, Tom

ps. see electroplate in the Silver Glossary

[vbcepoloway]

AAhhhh, thank you so much Tom! You folks have been of great assistance, and much appreciated!
Brent

[t-bird-art]

Poole called your piece a "Silent Butler". It is shown in Poole's 1953 catalog. Course, it's original purpose was to clear the tablecloth of crumbs between courses of multi-course meals.

[vbcepoloway]

AAhhhh, from crumbs to cigarette butts, a silent butler's work is never done. Thanks again for the input.
Brent