Were toast racks used for letters?

Makers designed toast racks for the breakfast table, but their partitioned wire frames naturally accommodate letters and cards on a desk. Many pieces listed in this category share forms between toast racks and letter holders.

How do I clean silver desk accessories?

Cleaning requires a soft cloth and a specialised silver polish to remove tarnish without harming the metal surface. Avoid abrasive pads that can strip thin silver plating from base metal or electroplated nickel silver.

How do I date a silver letter rack?

Dating relies upon examining the hallmarks stamped into the metal, which indicate the assay office and year of production. Stylistic cues such as Edwardian wirework or Art Deco geometric forms also point to specific decades.