Antique Fruitwood Nutmeg Grater - Wine Bottle Shape

19th century

Sold by Opus Antiques

Description

An early 1800s Fruitwood treen nutmeg grater in the shape of the wine bottle of the period. This one unscrews in the middle to reveal the grater and storage space for the nutmegs.

The cork turned in bone, at the top of the wine bottom is unusual as it lifts out and unscrews itself, presumably for storage of excess nutmeg which had been grated but not used.

These small antique nutmeg graters were carried around in pockets and used for grating nutmeg into mulled wine or punch. Nutmeg graters were a real status symbol. Around the middle of the 19th century the price of nutmeg began to drop and became more affordable.

Lovely figuring to the wood and in very good conditions with no cracks etc.

It measures 10cm h x 3.3cm w.

c1820/30

Physical Dimensions

Height

10cm (3.94")

Width

3.3cm (1.30")

Depth

3.3cm (1.30")

Declaration

Opus Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA751342

Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description

An early 1800s Fruitwood treen nutmeg grater in the shape of the wine bottle of the period. This one unscrews in the middle to reveal the grater and storage space for the nutmegs.

“

The cork turned in bone, at the top of the wine bottom is unusual as it lifts out and unscrews itself, presumably for storage of excess nutmeg which had been grated but not used.

Opus Antiques

fig 1. Antique Fruitwood Nutmeg Grater - wine bottle shape — fig 1. Antique Fruitwood Nutmeg Grater - Wine Bottle Shape

These small antique nutmeg graters were carried around in pockets and used for grating nutmeg into mulled wine or punch. Nutmeg graters were a real status symbol. Around the middle of the 19th century the price of nutmeg began to drop and became more affordable.

Lovely figuring to the wood and in very good conditions with no cracks etc.

It measures 10cm h x 3.3cm w.

c1820/30

Physical Dimensions

Height

10cm (3.94")

Width

3.3cm (1.30")

Depth

3.3cm (1.30")

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.