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 SMP Silver Salon Forums
 Silverplate Forum
 My Grandmother's silver (plated) chariot
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| Author | Topic: My Grandmother's silver (plated) chariot |
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Wicca Posts: 10 |
posted 09-23-2008 12:11 AM
  
[26-1728] Hello again, Thanks to my husband's website, I am able to post the photos of my mystery object. This little chariot has working wheels. The peacock's tail is the handle, and as the chariot is pushed forward a chain winds up from the inside and the top opens. When the chariot is pulled back, the top closes. On the bottom of the chariot is the following: Middletown Plate Co Quadruple Plate Hard White Metal. At the top of the inscription is an image that looks like a tear drop. Under the inscription are a couple of marks- one looks like an upside down T and the other like a little curve. I was not able to get a photo of the inscription. I don't remember anything ever being inside the chariot. I have taken the chariot to antique shows and tried to get information, but nobody has been able to identify any purpose. I hope this is not too many photos. Please let me know if I need to do anything differently. And thanks. Wicca I forgot to say that something has come unsoldered. This picture will show what has come undone: IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 09-23-2008 12:22 AM
Lovely piece Wicca. It is rare to see items like this so complete and working. Most opinion is that this started life as a jewelry box. When new it would have been lined with fabric, possibly padded. Check and see how well it holds bracelets and rings. Middletown plate was in the orbit of the Meriden Brittania Company, Middletown is in Connecticutt. This would date from about 1875 to 1890. IP: Logged |
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bascall Posts: 1629 |
posted 09-23-2008 12:29 AM
Your introduction and the pictures of your first item are great. The size of your images look correct to me, and I have not, as yet, heard of quantity being an issue. There are several postings on the manufacturer of this piece that a search of the forum will bring up, and no doubt plenty of willing folks ready answer any specific questions about your item. This piece looks like it would be fun to own. Good luck with your research. IP: Logged |
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vathek Posts: 966 |
posted 09-23-2008 04:11 AM
My guess would have been spoon warmer. IP: Logged |
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agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 09-23-2008 06:23 AM
A pretty piece. Devices with clever opening and closing arrangements were sometimes made to contain something that could be offered to guests. This is an unlikely container for snuff or cigarettes, but might it be for some delicacy that a hostess could proffer? I could imagine it appealing to children if it held sweets, for example. IP: Logged |
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Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 |
posted 09-23-2008 08:03 AM
An item like this was most likely first introduced as having one purpose. Manufacturers would often reintroduce or slightly redesign things to find a new market. If this were a spoon warmer the lid would have a notch for the spoon handles. Also there wouldn't be a hole in the bottom (for the chain) as the hot water would leak out. Whether it started life as a jewelry box or something else is a good question. I suspect it was also used as a fancy sugar cube or candy box. On a table cloth the wheels would grip so sliding the chariot forward would cause the lid to open. Return the chariot to its original position and the lid would close. IP: Logged |
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jersey Posts: 1203 |
posted 09-23-2008 08:27 PM
Hello Wicca! A formidable piece indeed! I love it! Could it be a nef? Or something on that order? Jersey [This message has been edited by jersey (edited 09-23-2008).] IP: Logged |
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Wicca Posts: 10 |
posted 09-23-2008 09:40 PM
Thank you everyone for your thoughts and comments. Some thoughts from me:
The sugar cube suggestion rings a faint bell. And I remember the chariot being in the dining room, so that makes sense. I like the idea of keeping jewelry in it. And, in regards to the last remark.... This is a great group of folks. I'm glad I found this place. IP: Logged |
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Wicca Posts: 10 |
posted 09-23-2008 09:52 PM
Like a good person, I searched the archives for nef....the search turned up 200 posts, but none had nef in the title. I read a few, and particularly enjoyed the one about the Brazilian 16th century Plaza Hotel sugar bowl, but have not found nef yet. I would say "nef-er mind" but I am sure someone will let me know. Wicca IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2334 |
posted 09-23-2008 10:33 PM
Nef is discussed at this website. Lovely piece - enjoy it. [This message has been edited by ahwt (edited 09-23-2008).] IP: Logged |
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doc Posts: 728 |
posted 09-24-2008 08:11 AM
My first reaction was that it held sugar as well. It is similar in shape to the sugar scuttles that you see more frequently. They usually do not have a lid, but I have seen examples with lids. IP: Logged |
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Kimo Posts: 1627 |
posted 09-24-2008 11:11 AM
A nef sounds like the most likely to me - though of course it would have to have been for something dry because of the hole in the bottom for the chain. I can not see the putto (the little cherub) up close in the photos, but his outstretched arms make me wonder if they may originally have been for holding a little spoon or fork or pair of tongs or such for serving yourself with whatever it may have contained. When you look at it up close, does this seem possible? IP: Logged |
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dragonflywink Posts: 993 |
posted 09-24-2008 01:24 PM
Don't believe that this would be considered a nef, the name comes from the medieval French word for "ship". And must agree with Dale that it's most likely a novelty jewel casket missing its fabric lining. Rainwater's American Silverplate illustrates several similar fanciful designs, though none with this method of lifting the lid and none with wheels; there are however, illustrations of toilet stands on wheels. Patents from the late 1870s to mid 1880s show various mechanical devices for lifting lids, some on jewel caskets, others on butter dishes with mention of their also being useful for jewel-cases. Previous post on nefs: Antique Silver ship/galleon - Can anyone help with some information please ~Cheryl IP: Logged |
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jersey Posts: 1203 |
posted 09-24-2008 02:30 PM
What about a napkin holder? Also found reference to a catalogue as well if anyone may have it to help out. It is Middletown Plate Co., Fine Silver Plated Ware, Salesroom John St., NY. have no clue as to where you may find it. Perhaps the historical society in Middletown. Jersey [This message has been edited by jersey (edited 09-24-2008).] IP: Logged |
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silverhunter Posts: 704 |
posted 09-26-2008 12:09 PM
My compliments for the photo's, super quality,(even without my glasses) I also enjoy this piece. I don't know nothing about it, but when I ever see such look like here in Holland or somewhere in Europa I will react again. I'm glad to see new material and have also the feeling it has to be used with some delicious consumptif products.On a dinner table or desk it will be looking great. Enjoy the hobby, using this forum it gave me a lot of information. A lot of success at your side and I also hope you show more interesting pieces in the future. Have a nice weekend all of you in the U.S.A. And don't forget to give your vote to the right new president. Greetings Silverhunter. IP: Logged |
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salmoned Posts: 336 |
posted 09-26-2008 05:06 PM
Looks like a novel way to pop the question (with an engagement ring on velvet inside). IP: Logged |
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Wicca Posts: 10 |
posted 09-26-2008 09:09 PM
Hello everyone- I am away from home at my daughter's university parent weekend. When I get home I will post with the appropriate remarks and thanks for all the kind posts from you all. I will also post a photo of the cupid close up. Wicca IP: Logged |
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