Cheese Toaster & Warmer, 1807

This fabulous piece of Georgian silver was made one of the premier hollowware makers of the period and is of the highest quality. It consists of an oblong serving dish with a gadroon border and double-skinned base, hinged cover with urn finial, six square dishes and a removable turned wooden baluster-shaped handle. The front of the cover is superbly engraved with a leashed hound crest surmounted by an earl's coronet - possibly for Blount of Mapledurham. This cheese toaster just exudes the highest quality and is in excellent condition, although there are a few minor dings to the base section. The main body is fully marked and all six dishes bear appropriate matching part marks. 

The concept behind the piece is for the handle to be removed and hot water to be poured in to the double-skinned warming section. Cheese covered bread or biscuits are placed in each of the holders, the cover is raised and secured by way of the chain and hook and the whole item located in front of a fire. The cover acts as a reflector for the heat to enable the cheese to melt. Once melted, the cover can be lowered and the grilled cheese on toast can be kept warm and devoured at will.