Victorian Boot Spoon Warmer

Date: Circa 1890

Maker: Mappin And Webb

Country: England

Stock Number: 1873

Description

Antique silver plated spoonwarmer. A delightful model of a battered old tramp's boot with a hinged lid at the top with provision for a spoon. Length 17.5 cms. Height 9.5 cms. Electroplated. Circa 1890. Made by Mappin and Webb, Sheffield, UK.

Literature - These collectible items were originally made to assist in keeping food warm in the chilly Victorian houses. They were particularly useful in spooning out gravy. Nowadays they are popularly used as flower holders, toothbrush holders, pen pots etc.

Biography

Mappin And Webb

Jonathan Mappin opened a silver cutlery workshop in Sheffield in 1775. He was followed by his son and 4 grandsons into the family business and Mappin Brothers Ltd was founded in the mid 19th century. In 1849 the firm opened their first London showroom at 17 Fore Street. In 1860, John Mappin, the youngest son broke away from Mappin Brothers and started his own business Mappin & Company. John Mappin was joined in the new venture two years later by his brother in law George Webb and in 1868 Mappin and Webb & Co was formed. In 1903, John Mappin acquired the original London retail business, Mappin Brothers, and from 1904, the Company was known as ‘Mappin & Webb Ltd incorporating Mappin Brothers’. The double named business is evident in some of the old store photographs from this era which show both Mappins and Mappin & Webb names on shop exteriors. Their relationship with the monarchy began in the late 19th Century and was formalised when HM Queen Victoria granted a royal warrant to Mappin & Webb their first as silversmiths, in 1897, the year of The Queen’s diamond jubilee. Mappin & Webb has held a royal warrant as silversmiths to each of the five subsequent sovereigns and today holds a Royal Warrant as Silversmiths to HM The Queen and to HRH The Prince of Wales. A full history can be seen at http://www.mappinandwebb.com/i/our-history

Condition

A delightful item in very good condition with no damage or restoration. S taped under the lid with the makers mark. No plate wear - this item has been replated.
Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.