Antique Victorian Spoon Warmer James Dixon of Sheffield shell shaped with spoon 1880s flower toothbrush holders pen pots ice cream spoon
$359.18
Stunning antique silver plated spoon warmer in the form of scallop shell complete with spoon included both marked James Dixon and Sons.
Very elegant with Classic bead borders. These table shell make an excellent display for flowers and can also be used as ice cream spoon server, cutlery holders and maybe even covered jugs.
The best warmers kept the hot water mostly covered, with an opening just big enough for convenience as this dish.
Dish :
Spread 18,5 cm/ 7,3" Height 9,5 cm / 3,7" to top of handle. Width 13 cm / 5,1"
Spoon : 17,5 cm / 6,9"long
Weight both : 509 g
Both marked underneath for the maker James Dixon of Sheffield, UK. Circa 1880.
Condition - These shell dish and spoon are in very good condition with no damage or restoration. No plate wear. Both are marked underneath for James Dixon.
Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.
Literature - These collectible items were originally made to assist in keeping food warm in the chilly Victorian houses. They were particularly useful in spooning out gravy. Nowadays they are popularly used as flower holders, toothbrush holders, pen pots etc.
Food served with a cold spoon may cool down too quickly for some tastes. Even worse, a dish with rich, fatty gravy may congeal unappealingly on its way to your plate. A decorative container filled with hot water to keep serving spoons and sauce ladles warm seemed like the perfect solution in Victorian England. The earliest spoon warmers date from the 1860s.
This makes more sense when we remember how cold British houses could be for much of the year. Until the later 20th century rooms were often poorly heated, even in wealthy homes. Households with servants urged their staff to hurry from kitchen to dining room so food could be served hot, or at least warm, on heated plates. (Keeping the plates hot was a big deal, but that’s another story.) Hot food was appetising and proof of a well-run home too. Spoon warmers played their part in the effort to serve food at the right temperature – and fitted in with all the other paraphernalia in a fashionable late 19th century dining room.
They went out of fashion early in the 20th century. It wasn’t long before magazines were suggesting you could use them as “novel” flower holders.
Since my items are vintage, it means they are aged and will have some wear. Please look at all the pictures carefully and ask questions before making your purchase.
I take great care in packing your purchase carefully, in a lot of bubble or silk, wrapping paper and proper padding before I send it on its journey. I am happy to ship anywhere in the world, as well as combine shipping for two or more items - please contact me for shipping rates if you do not see your country.
For environmental reasons, I try to reuse packaging materials where possible.
♥ THANKS ♥
For shopping here!
Shipping from Belgium
Processing time
8-10 business days
Estimated shipping times
- Australia : 8 - 16 business days
- Belgium : 1 - 4 business days
- Canada : 7 - 17 business days
- Cyprus : 7 - 17 business days
- Denmark : 6 - 13 business days
- Finland : 6 - 14 business days
- France : 4 - 10 business days
- Germany : 4 - 10 business days
- Greece : 4 - 12 business days
- Ireland : 4 - 10 business days
- Italy : 4 - 10 business days
- Japan : 4 - 14 business days
- Kuwait : 7 - 17 business days
- Malta : 5 - 9 business days
- New Zealand : 5 - 16 business days
- Portugal : 4 - 10 business days
- Spain : 4 - 8 business days
- Sweden : 4 - 10 business days
- The Netherlands : 3 - 7 business days
- United Arab Emirates : 6 - 15 business days
- United Kingdom : 3 - 7 business days
- United States : 5 - 16 business days
- Vietnam : 6 - 16 business days
- North America : 4 - 15 business days
- Europe : 2 - 10 business days
- Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 6 - 18 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery
I don't accept cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
- Items on sale
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Privacy policy
Our shop is not responsable for any delay from the carrier or the Post Office.
Once your item has shipped, we are not responsible for any delays incurred by the postal service/shipping provider.
Please be aware that we are not responsible for stolen packages. If mail theft is a known problem in your area, please select a secure shipping address when purchasing.
If the tracking information for your package confirms the package has been "delivered" but you have not received it, please contact us to arrange a replacement package. In order to qualify for a replacement, you will need to file a missing mail report with the shipping provider , as well as a police report. Proof of BOTH reports must be provided to us before a replacement will be sent out.
**Refunds will NOT be issued for lost or stolen packages.**
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping Delays
Our shop is not responsable for any delay on arrival dates from your parcel, from the post office or another carrier.
Please inspect and report any damages within 3 days of receipt. Please keep all packaging should there be an issue.
Returns and exchange details
I do not accept returns based on size issues. Contact me within 2 days of delivery if there is some other issue with your order.
If we agree that there is a reason for a return, we require that it be posted promptly following our convo. If the item is returned beyond one week following our convo, a re-stocking fee of 20% will be deducted. This amount will increase by 10% for each successive week.
The item must be returned by Post with tracking numbe with all of its ORIGINAL PACKAGING including any bubble wrap, gift bag or box, insured for its purchased price, and must be received in the SAME CONDITION as when it was shipped to you and not altered in any way. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible
Gift wrapping and packaging
I try to use recycled and eco-friendly packaging as much as possible, while still keeping your product safe and intact during shipping. In the case that your fragile item needs more protection, I make sure to use 100% biodegradable packing peanuts.
Overseas Postal Security Delays
No refunds will be given whilst any item is still in transit.
Taxes
Duty, customs, sales tax, VAT, or any other taxes or fees associated with your country are your responsibility. Fees and taxes vary by country and are imposed upon delivery. We are unable to predict which of these fees, if any, will be applied, or how much they will be, therefore we cannot be responsible for unexpected expenses when your order arrives.