Sterling silver portable nutmeg grater. A quality rectangular pocket container with smooth corners and a slightly domed cover. Interior steel rasp for grating. Hinges are tight and have unusual gold ovals at each end. Fully hallmarked inside base as follows: Anchor for Birmingham, England; Lion passant (walking lion) indicating sterling silver; portrait in oval; date letter "a"; and ML (inside rectangle) for maker's mark (1802-1819 in Birmingham). This hallmarked information indicates this piece was made between the early to mid 1800s.
Graters like this were used primarily from 1780 to 1840 in England. At that time it was an essential tool for adding a bit of nutmeg to the top of a very popular punch made with brandy or rum, juice and sugar--- with grated nutmeg added to the top.
Approx. 1-1/4" long, 1" high, and 1" deep.
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International shipping available, with possible import cost to buyer.
Per regulation, tax is applied at time of purchase.