Stunning Rare Georgian Bright Cut Engraved Silver Egg Nutmeg Grater Samuel Meriton C.1775

A rare late 18th century silver egg shaped nutmeg grater, very unusually decorated with bright-cut engraved decoration of segmenting alternating stripes. One set of bands has a zig-zag pattern of acanthus leaves reserved against a textured lined background with dotted edges, and the other is a textured foliate pattern against a plain background and fine zig-zag edges. At either end the stripes all converge into two pretty flower type rosettes. The cover unscrews to reveal the original pull out grater. Maker's initials SM are stamped inside the base of the cover for Samuel Meriton, a specialist 18th century maker of fine silver nutmeg graters. No other marks, as is usual, dating from c.1775.

It measures 4.5cm (1 3/4") long and 2.5cm (1") wide and weighs 21g / 0.7ozt.

In excellent condition with no damage, splits, holes or repairs. No dents or dings at all. Very minor handling wear, the decoration is all lovely and crisp. The engraved stripes match up very well in the main, just slightly out on a couple, which I think can be forgiven. It closes up neatly as can be seen, but the threads on all pieces such as this need treating carefully when opening and closing due to the soft nature of the silver and the service they have given over so many years.

Payment is accepted by bank transfer, card payments (via an online invoice, I'm afraid we cannot take payments over the telephone), Paypal and UK personal cheque. If you prefer to pay card payments by Stripe rather than Paypal, please go to our website where we offer that option and additionally options to "Pay in 30 days" and to pay in 3 instalments, all securely supported by Klarna.

Price includes UK postage. We ship worldwide for a small cost, please ask for details. For US customers, current tariff charges of 10% must be paid in advance of posting. Please contact us to go through the details.

We wish to ensure all our customers are happy with their purchases and offer a full no quibble return policy for all items returned within 14 days. We ask that returns are notified within 7 days where possible. Return postage is the buyer's responsibility in terms of cost and safeguarding the item in transit.

In the unlikely event any damage has occurred during shipping please advise as soon as possible and within 2 days of receipt at the latest. If you cannot inspect the item within those 2 days please just let us know.

Follow us on Instagram @thefancyfox_antiques