Silver-plated spoon warmer

Victorian silver-plated spoon warmer in the form of a nautilus shell, mounted on a rocky effect base with a decorative handle in the form of seashell. The curling body is decorated with a fine wave pattern and the lid engraved with other foaming wave-like decorations.

At a time when the kitchens were generally set far from dining rooms, it was important that food be kept warm while being brought to the rarely heated dining rooms. A large variety of dishes had hot water compartments for the purpose and spoon warmers also made their entrance. Filled with hot water in the kitchen, they were brought to the table with the serving spoons inside, keeping them warm and preventing the food from getting cold.