Thread: Silver Mug & Brush Tray

I purchased this silver plated set on good 'ol E-Bay after the seller knocked off a few dollars...

At first I assumed it was a two piece scuttle, but now that I look at it, it looks like the bottom is intended to build lather.

The tray has an inset, so it sets in to the mug. I'm eager to get it in person, to see what's actually going on here, and will post more photos once I've got my grubby fingers on it.

Does anyone have any background on the intended use for the separate tray?

Cheers, - HJ

Isnt that the type that holds hot water and keeps your lather/brush warm by sitting it in the upper tray? Looks like a nice peice.

Originally Posted by Gasman

Isnt that the type that holds hot water and keeps your lather/brush warm by sitting it in the upper tray? Looks like a nice peice.

That's what I had originally thought... but taking a closer look at the mug it looks like it is made for lathering (including raised ridges). If that's the case, what's the point of the brush tray? Or are you saying the hot water goes in the brush tray, with the lather below, to keep it warm while you're between passes (sort of inverted from a Moss type scuttle)?

My guess would be that the water goes in the bottom part and a hard puck of soap in the top part. Wet your brush in the bottom part, load the brush with soap from the top part and face lather adding water as you need it from the bottom part. Rest you brush on the top part using the built in support for the handle. Lovely find.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

My guess would be that the water goes in the bottom part and a hard puck of soap in the top part. Wet your brush in the bottom part, load the brush with soap from the top part and face lather adding water as you need it from the bottom part. Rest you brush on the top part using the built in support for the handle. Lovely find.

Bob

That makes sense... considering the maker is from Maine and it's likely early 20th century, probably made around the time running water wasn't fully available in country homes... Heck my grandfather's place in Maine didn't have water into the house until about 1960...

Originally Posted by HungeJ0e

That makes sense... considering the maker is from Maine and it's likely early 20th century, probably made around the time running water wasn't fully available in country homes...

Yes, the vintage type scuttles and their modern day reproduction ones worked that way before running water was a common thing. Modern type scuttles operate very differently.

Bob

Originally Posted by HungeJ0e

That makes sense... considering the maker is from Maine and it's likely early 20th century, probably made around the time running water wasn't fully available in country homes... Heck my grandfather's place in Maine didn't have water into the house until about 1960...

Who is the maker, do you know.?

I have one that is similar, made by Derby silver Co., Pre. 19th century. Donated by this stamp mark, on the base of the mug.


I use mine with water in the base, and build the lather in the cup. My cup isn't quite big enough for a average sized puck of soap, so I put a almond sized amount of soap in the cup, and whip up some warm suds.


Nice grab, shame you don't have the brush, too.

Colonial Silver Company of Portland, Maine.

It's plated (quadruple plated but still plated).

I'd guess early 20th century, but that's just a guess. Photos look kind of neat, didn't spend a lot on it, and waiting to see what actually shows up at my house before I declare a win!

That Derby set looks cool for sure... must be sterling as I don't think electroplating was a thing until the latter part of the 19th century.

Mines plated as well, some spots are wore off.

My research on it, found it to be a commissioned piece for an individual, not made for the masses