Pocket Silver Nutmeg Grater, c1780
£895.00
Nutmeg Grater - Cylindrical; double-hinged - London circa 1780 by James Phipps - 6.7cm tall; 44g - QU/1564
Made by James Phipps, this handsome antique silver nutmeg grater has been expertly made with two book hinges so that the side of the box can be opened to reveal a long steel rasp.
This type of pocket grater is relatively scarce because they were so difficult to make and the one offered is a fine Georgian example from a top maker of smallwork. It bears a single mark for James Phipps who was working in London from 1754 until the latter years of the century. This style of grater was in vogue during the final quarter of the 18th century and in to the early years of the 19th century, but the lack of both duty mark and date letter on this piece point towards the 1775 to 1780 period.