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Author	Topic: what is it?
help me unregistered	posted 11-20-2002 11:21 AM I have a piece of silver that looks like an ash tray or something. It has four claw feet with a hinged lid and wooden handle. On the bottom it has 3 hallmarks that I can not find anywhere. The first is is a profile of a man with a round head and a feather coming from his chin. The second is a crown with 5 balls on top. The third is the letter s with a line through it, like a dollar sign. It also has the number 269 on the bottom. The top has a coat of arms with two unicorn/dragons and a hand holding a sword. Can you please help me. IP: Logged
vathek Posts: 966 Registered: Jun 99	posted 11-20-2002 02:46 PM Might also be part of a crumber set that would have had a little dust bin and brush. It sounds silverplated English 1st half 20c? IP: Logged
smfc75 Posts: 122 Registered: Mar 2002	posted 11-20-2002 04:26 PM It sounds like a silverplated silent butler made by the Sheffield Silver Co. of Brooklyn, New York. If so, it was probably made some time between 1920 and 1950. Without photos it is difficult to tell for sure. IP: Logged
mmccardell1 Posts: 2 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 11-21-2002 07:23 PM I agree with the comment made by smfc75 it does sound like a silent butler. A "Silent Butler" was a popular and fashionable item used in the homes of the wealthy and for social gatherings. It is somewhat of an ashtray but more decorative. It was carried around by the butler or servant etc... to catch the ashes or dispose of a guests smoking material.It is hard to draw a conclusion on this piece,but according to the description, I would say that it would most likely be that as mentioned.Most likely from the 1st quarter of the 20th century. Cigarette and smoking in general was very popular and social during this time. IP: Logged

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