What-is-it question.

Post by **2209patrick** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 9:45 pm

Slow night on the forum so I thought post a what-is-it question.
Saw this picture in a 20 year old magazine. If they had not told what it is, I would never have guessed it. It's Old Sheffield Plate, c.1828.
Any guesses?

I'll post the answer tomorrow afternoon.
Pat.
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Kit · Post by **Kit** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:58 pm

Okay, I'll bite. It's a tabletop distillery. :)

Kit
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Post by **2209patrick** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 12:02 am

No, it's not a tabletop distillery, but you're headed in the right direction.

Pat.
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Post by **dognose** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 6:02 am

Hi Pat,
Could it be a port decanter?
Regards Trev.
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Post by **2209patrick** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 6:13 am

Hello Trev. No it's not a port decanter, but it was meant to hold a liquid.
I'm starting to feel guilty about posting this item, so here's another clue. The temperature of the liquid is important.

Pat.
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Waylander · Post by **Waylander** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 6:57 am

Boiling water? Tea? Coffee?

Waylander
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Kit · Post by **Kit** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:26 am

Tsk tsk Waylander, no fair rapid-fire guessing like that. Brandy? Rum? Whiskey? Definitely a hot toddy dispenser.
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Post by **dragonflywink** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:42 am

Given the resemblance to a steam engine - is it a coffee steamer/espresso maker/milk frother type devise?

Cheryl ;o)
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Post by **dognose** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:01 am

The more I think the more confused I become, I thought Kit cracked it with the brandy warmer theory, but the piece would have to be of huge proportions to enable a glass to fit under the tap, unless of course it was designed to rest on the edge of a table, also what surprises me is that it is made from Sheffield Plate, I would have thought the cost of this item was in its workmanship, not its materials, so why skimp and not use silver?
I remain confused and eagerly await the answer,
Trev.
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Post by **2209patrick** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 3:18 pm

I didn't realize, until I read Trev's last post, that I neglected to give the size of the piece. Sorry about that. It is of huge proportions. It's a coffee maker.

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Post by **dognose** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 3:22 pm

Excellent Pat, I would never have guessed,
Trev.
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Kit · Post by **Kit** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 3:49 pm

Delightful! And thank you Pat for a nice diversion. Kit
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Waylander · Post by **Waylander** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 9:19 pm

Sorry for the multi guesses Kit :)

All I can say is..."I want one"!

Waylander
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