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Round Silverware Canteen?

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Author	Topic: Round Silverware Canteen?
yehudi Posts: 2 Registered: Apr 2007	posted 04-11-2007 04:07 PM [26-1383] Hello all, I'm new to the forum and beginning my collection. Let me start with a question. An acquaintance antique collector had an urn-shaped (or acorn shaped)silver case that was remarkable. The top lifted straight up from the case on a spindle. Inside, the cutlery was arranged vertically instead of horizontally. That is, it hung in slots cut into the top of the case. It was lined with velvet. The wood was veneer, but it was amazing. It stood about 2 feet tall. Is there a name for such an object? I've searched the web using the terms that come to mind, but can only find the typical wooden flat chests and one round, but cylindrical chest: I'd love to know what it's called and whether more of them exist. IP: Logged
adelapt Posts: 418 Registered: May 2003	posted 04-11-2007 05:00 PM The type you mention is, I think, quite unusual. The more common type, not that there are heaps of them around, have either hinged or lift off lids. Some just hold cutlery (knives), but others hold spoons and forks (flatware). They were very decorative furnishing items in Georgian England. If you search under "knife box" or "cutlery box" you might have more success. IP: Logged
jersey Posts: 1203 Registered: Feb 2005	posted 04-11-2007 07:47 PM Hello yehudi! Welcome to the forums. That is one gorgeous silver box your friend has. Perhaps, if you could identify the maker of the silverware that the box holds it may give a clue as to the maker of the box. The silver maker may have made it, or had it made especially for that silverware. Hope this helps. Jersey IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 04-11-2007 07:50 PM Adelpat is right, these are rare. I have rarely ever seen them. But FWIW I have them referred to as 'canteens'. And there seems to be an old tale that these began as military officers' items. The officers used them to carry their table ware with them when traveling. If you look under military items sometimes you will see similar devices used for pistols etc. I once saw a pair of wood urns where one was fitted for silverware, the other for pistols. This may or may not be correct, but it makes a good story. IP: Logged
Kimo Posts: 1627 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 04-12-2007 03:08 PM They are uncommon, but I would not use the word rare. Canteens come in many sizes and shapes and you usually see them being auctioned in auctions that feature antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries, though I have seen some "in the style of" examples made in the 20th century - I think mainly for people who liked the look of times gone by. Often they are sold in pairs since that is how they were normally used. The one you show is a very nice one. Some are plainer and a few are even more ornate. Many are made from rosewood or walnut burl wood. There is another related meaning of the word canteen, which is a set of flatware for 12 place settings. In this use, a half canteen is 6 place settings and a double canteen is 24 place settings. IP: Logged
yehudi Posts: 2 Registered: Apr 2007	posted 04-12-2007 06:28 PM Thanks. I think that's right. The one my friend had was not nearly as well furnished as the one in the picture. I recall now, that it was in more of an urn shape. I'll use your input as I search. Looking forward to learning more as I read up on this forum. IP: Logged
jersey Posts: 1203 Registered: Feb 2005	posted 04-13-2007 09:49 AM Hello again! I have also been told that some refer to them as caddy's, as in the context meaning a holder. BTW If the picture you posted was not your friends, was it in a magazine or something and was there any notation accompanying it indicating what it was/is? Jersey IP: Logged

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