What-is-it question CI.

What was this used for? - PHOTO REQUIRED
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2209patrick
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What-is-it question CI.

Post by 2209patrick »

These two sterling silver British pieces are from the 16th century.
The one the left is 4.72 inches (12 cm.) high.
The one on the right is 7.09 inches (18 cm.) high.

What are they called?
What were they used for?

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2209patrick
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Post by 2209patrick »

Here's a clue:
Although they did serve a purpose with dining, they did not hold sugar, salt, pepper or any kind of food.

The records of the Royal Jewel House suggest that they were a fashionable type of gift during the reign of Henry VIII (1509-1548).

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wev
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Post by wev »

scented water for the hands?
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2209patrick
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Post by 2209patrick »

Very well done Wev.

It's called a "casting bottle".
It was used for sprinkling scented water (often rose water) over the hands at the end of a meal.

Here's another one at the Gilbert Collection:
http://www.gilbert-collection.org.uk/th ... col01.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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wev
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Post by wev »

given the bathing habits of the day, I would have used a bucket
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