What is this thing?

[SusanWhite]

Hello Everyone!

I hesitate to put this up because it seems like it should be easy to identify, but I haven't been able to locate a picture of something similar.

Is this some kind of 2-sided gravy server?

Thanks to anyone who can alleviate my lack of knowledge!

Sincerely,
Susan

http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4690537" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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[Granmaa]

Could you tell us the dimensions?
I've seen punch ladles with similar bowls, but they usually have longer handles.

Miles
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[SusanWhite]

Thank You, Miles for responding!

I guess I should have thought of giving the dimensions, since there's no other way to tell how big it is and we have a candle snuffer that's in the same design and looks similar.

The bowl's diameter is 5 1/2 inches ... it's 2 1/2 inches deep and the handle is about 5 inches long. It was made by Gorham and I think the "Chippendale" stamped on it may be the pattern of the piece?

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to help me, it is very much appreciated!

Sincerely,
Susan
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[admin]

I think it is an item known as both brandy warmer and saucepot, used for hard sauce, though I am none to clear on what hard sauce is.

Regards, Tom
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[SusanWhite]

Thank you, Tom!

I felt really sure this item wasn't for gravy ... hard sauce makes perfect sense. It is a type of candied sauce made from whisky or brandy and cooked down to thicken it, then poured over such things as bread pudding and other types of less sweet baked goods.

Again, thanks so much for the information! I really enjoy these forums and am grateful they exist....

Sincerely,
Susan
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[SusanWhite]

This piece will probably go really well with Patrick's little gadget!!
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[dmay]

FYI, hard sauce is a sugar, butter and brandy based sauce that is put on plum pudding-also known in my house as brandy butter.
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[dmay]

Sorry-didn't see that Susan had defined it as well!
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