What is this silver piece and how was it used?

Question

I found this at a thrift store and would really like to know how it was used. The removable piece looks like it could have held very small items, only about 1 1/2' diameter.

Alice Shockley · Answer

Pretty sure I'm wrong...but it reminds me of something to hold communion wine glasses. At least, the size is right. I can't imagine why you'd only want six though...unless it was to visit a shut-in or something.

Lee R · Answer

That is exactly what I was thinking. I agree it seem to small. Sure would like to know for sure.

Cherie · Answer

It's Reed and Barton, so it's a good piece. I think it was meant to hold cordial glasses. You may have some luck on their website. Also, I'd give it a bit of a polish.

Tammie ellerbee · Answer

I believe it might be a cruet holder without the bottles!

Swan Road Designs · Answer

I see a double row of round holes and I'm reminded about some vodka sets. Maybe the sections hold cylindrical glasses of vodka and, in the bottom, shaved ice to keep the glasses and vodka chilled. Just thinking out of the box.

Jina · Answer

I am going with the communion/sacrament holder/server.

JustSue · Answer

Thought it was a canner...but didn't see the dimensions until now!

Juju, the Anti-Gardener · Answer

Baby Bottle Sterilizer?

Cindy Rodgerson · Answer

I've had excellent response on this type of question from various companies. Good pictures goes a long way in helping them to help you.

JustSue · Answer

If you google 'antique silver condiment holders' and look at the 'images' you will get an idea of what this may have been. Whatever it is, it is probably sterling silver because that is what Reed and Barton specialized in...and hang on to it because they filed bankrupty, and just went out of business Feb 19th, 2015! https://www.google.com/search?q=antique+silver+condiment+holders&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=wgDqVLGEMYGkgwS0n4OoBw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg&biw=980&bih=575

Michelle Eliker · Answer

My first thought was some sort of condiment server, but I couldn't find it anywhere. Now I REALLY want to know! LOL

Judy Capone Mantell · Answer

I want to know what this is also! Just spent an hour looking and still have not found it. However did see some gorgeous stuff on this site: https://www.pinterest.com/explore/vintage-silver/

Cherie · Answer

Yes, I've done some digging also! I still think it's a cordial set (vodka, brandy, whatever) but I can't find any pictures of anything similar. It looks like there's a mark on the bottom next to the 680 and there is a chart that gives the mark for each year up to 1957. So if you can identify the mark, you will at least know when it was made. Please keep us all posted with whatever you find out!

Alice Shockley · Answer

Have you tried posting here: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Silver-Flatware-3281/index_all.htm And please, let us know what you find out!

Deb · Answer

My guess would be that it's a boiled egg server. Hot water inside keeps boiled eggs hot so they may be served over time..still hot. I've seen something very similar when we lived in England. It didn't have the second level in it though. Just lift the entire centerpiece out and serve one hot boiled egg.

Swan Road Designs · Answer

Don't think it would have anything to do with boiled eggs. Silver and eggs(sulphur) are arch enemies. Plus, any hot water would be quickly cooled. The container not insulated so no heat/warmth would be contained. Still believe it's something that has to do with beverage service of some sort or another. The obvious thing to do is to contact Reed & Barton and show them your photos.

Alice Shockley · Answer

I still am going with something sacramental, just judging by the 'cross' handle on the part that lifts off. I'm really curious!

Kim Smith · Answer

@Lee R I have seen something similar to this and it was called an 'egg coddler' to made coddled eggs as were eaten in the 'old days.' Reminds me of my egg cooker I have now with those holes. Maybe?

Lee R · Answer

Thank you all. I think I will contact Reed &  Barton. I will post here if and when I find out. Every one of you have been so nice to spend time trying to help me discover hiis it was used.

Gladys Jimenez · Answer

Poached eggs warmer?

Deb · Answer

Lee, let off of us know when you discover what it is,please. My money is on egg warmer/server. Eggs in shells have little-to-no effect on the interior of this piece. Egg warmer/server for a house in which my husbands grandparents/aunts/uncles lived .

Judy Capone Mantell · Answer

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/161374200529?item=161374200529&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466&rmvSB=true I think it is an egg coddler as someone else suggested. They did come in silver and I found several on the Internet that look lot like yours. Some are quite valuable.

Deb · Answer

Thank you, Judy. I rest my case. (Knew I'd seen one in my mother-in-law's kitchen).

Cherie · Answer

Deb and Judy - did you look at that other one closely? It has a warmer on the bottom for a candle or burner of some sort. This one does not have space for that.

Deb · Answer

At my husbands grandmothers house, eggs were kept warm/hot using boiling water. No heat source required. They stayed warm or hot long enough for breakfast to be served so everyone got a hot soft boiled egg. A heat source would have continued to cook the eggs... Still, I see your point. While I never saw one with a heat source...different times, makers, wish for 'hard boiled' eggs...there obviously were those with a heat source. Likely 'Ma's' was an earlier one...no heat source. They lived in Balitmore BTW.
The Snowdens...of 'the Baltimore Snowdens.' (:-) (that was tongue in cheek)...

Gwen Marshall · Answer

That is a beautifull pieace of something from years ago, I love it!

Donna · Answer

It looks to me like something that was used to hold communion cups for church. Even resembles a cross on top.

Ardale · Answer

It's an egg coddler! They used them back in the late 1800's and early 1900's to poach/steam eggs in. They come in all different designs and sizes. Go to ebay and type in egg coddler and you can see them in different designs. You've got a real treasure and a great find! Ebay will also give you a good idea of what yours is worth and I bet it's worth more then you paid for it. Take good care of it after all it's been around a very long time.

Lee20425690 · Answer

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Victorian-Reed-Barton-Silverplate-12-Egg-Coddler-680-10-Paw-Footed-Design/131543200519?hash=item1ea095f307:g:EiIAAOSwPcVVoUA~

This one looks just like it soooo, I'm going w/ egg coddler.

SHIRLEY · Answer

Lee4803 you hit it dead on...good work ......... hefty price on it too...nice

What is this silver piece and how was it used?

Suggested Project Book

13 Beauty Hacks for Your Overstuffed Closet

Other

More

What is this silver piece and how was it used?

Suggested Project Book