Vintage English Silver Plate Silent Butler with Removable Lid & Ebonised Handle

Description

A vintage silver plated English Silent Butler with an ebonised wooden handle. The lid, engraved with a lion, raises to … more A vintage silver plated English Silent Butler with an ebonised wooden handle. The lid, engraved with a lion, raises to show a rectangular recessed receptacle. The hollow space underneath the recess allows for the safe collection of hot debris such as cigar or cigarette ash without the entire butler becoming hot. The lid can be easily removed for ease of cleaning. The underside has a stamp reading "SILVER PLATED MADE IN ENGLAND" within which is a rearing unicorn in a diamond shaped lozenge.

A silent butler is a small receptacle with a handle and hinged cover, used for collecting ashes, crumbs and other dining detritus. Silent butlers represent a time when great attention was paid to utilitarian objects used in even the simplest acts of sweeping up crumbs or emptying ashtrays.

Dimensions:
12"d x 8.75"w x 3.5"h

Condition:
Good. Generally in clean and undamaged condition. A few small surface scratches, consistent with age and use, to the underside. less