Early Silver Nutmeg Grater, c.1690 ID

This is a fine example of a late 17th century silver nutmeg grater that bears the ID maker's mark of an unknown box-maker.

The casing is in the typical cylindrical form for the period with attractive engraved bands around the upper and lower rims and a plain removable cap. There is a removable silver rasp to the interior that fits well and is marked with a "S" over petal stamp.

Nutmeg was used to flavour food and drink to personal tastes and so the silver pocket container was designed to carry a whole nutmeg that could be grated as and when required.