What are silver menu clips used for?

These clips held menus and place cards upright on dining tables during formal Edwardian meals. They allowed guests to see the courses ahead and helped hosts organise seating arrangements across large dining rooms.

How do I date an Edwardian menu clip?

Dating relies heavily upon the assay office marks and date letters stamped into the sterling silver. Stylistic cues such as Art Nouveau curves or specific novelty motifs also point towards the Edwardian era and the early twentieth century.

Are these menu holders sold in pairs?

Makers produced these pieces individually, as pairs, or in larger sets for multiple table settings. Pairs and boxed sets are particularly frequent among novelty animal designs and commemorative pieces.

How should I clean antique silver menu clips?

Cleaning requires a soft microfibre cloth and gentle silver polish to protect the delicate hinged mechanisms. Enamelled or velvet-backed pieces demand extra care to avoid moisture damage to the decorative surfaces.