silver nutmeg grater - Holland
this 835/1000 silver nutmeg grater was made in Holland by Gerrit Regtdoorzee Greup from Schoonhoven.
The silversmith's hallmark GG was in use from 1888 until 1915.The nutmeg tree (myristica fragrans) is a large evergreen that produces two spices: nutmeg and mace. Nutmeg is the seed kernel inside the fruit and mace is the lacy covering (aril) on the kernel.
Nutmeg has long been lauded as possessing or imparting magical powers and nutmegs were often used as amulets to protect against a wide variety of dangers and evils.
In the Middle Ages carved wooden imitations were even sold in the streets and people carried nutmegs everywhere and many wore little graters made of silver, ivory or wood, often with a compartment for the nuts.
The systematic production of silver graters for nutmeg began in the late seventeenth century. A revolution in manners then gripped colonial America, as sophisticated Britons on both sides of the Atlantic began serving punch - a brew of rum or brandy, fruit juice, sugar, and water laced with grated nutmeg and sugar - and a nutmeg grater became an essential addition to the ' punch equipage '.
In most cases were used 'kitchen' nutmeg graters of cylindrical or semi-circular form with hinged base, divided interior and the top recessed below the hoop handle. Other 'kitchen' nutmeg graters were of upright rectangular form and shaped top panel pierced for hanging.
However, small boxes suitable for carrying in the pocket, and used to contain nutmeg, were in use since the 18th century.
This nutmeg grater is a small silver container with hinged lids on the top and on the bottom. The inner grater is used to grate the nutmeg and the dust falls on the lower side of the box (used also as compartment for the nuts)
The nutmeg grater is 2 in. wide (cm. 5), 1 1/4 in. tall (3 cm.) and was bought from an Italian dealer
This item is not for sale, but most of my pieces were bought through the Internet. On this page there are some links to silver and antique dealers websites
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