A very rare Seventeenth century Nutmeg Grater made in London circa 1685-90, maker's mark of an "H" most probably for Thomas Harris Junior.
A very rare Seventeenth century Nutmeg Grater made in London circa 1685-90, maker's mark of an "H" most probably for Thomas Harris Junior.
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This piece we refer to was almost certainly made in London circa 1685-90 and bears the maker's mark of an "H", most probably for Thomas Harris Junior. As you will see from the images, the Nutmeg Grater is modelled in the tear drop form and has a top and bottom opening, with stand away hinges, the sides also decorated with raised reeded girdles. The base is engraved with an unusual heart motif, comprised of feathery scrolls and the interior displays its original plainly pierced steel grater. The cover displays an engraved portrait bust of King Charles II, flanked by CR, for Charles Rex. The grater is in most excellent condition and is marked on the side with a single letter "H" most probably for Thomas Harris Junior. This is almost certainly a memento mori of this popular Stuart King, made after his death on 6th February 1685. Known as the Merry Monarch, he reinstated the institution of Monarchy in 1660 after the Restoration and his return from exile, after the end of the Puritanical rule of Oliver Cromwell. He was a much loved King, hence the heart on the base. His successor, and brother, James II, was not popular and was subsequently sent into exile in 1688.
Height: 1 inch.
Length: 1.5 inches.
Width: 1.25 inches, at its widest point.
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![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://marycooke.co.uk/british-silver-1649-1759/a-very-rare-seventeenth-century-nutmeg-grater-made-in-london-circa-1685-90-makers-mark-of-an-h-most-probably-for-thomas-harris-junior&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/marycooke-8876-Qfhef-OE67/stock/675dc08f86e12_image_url_vv12.jpg&description=This piece we refer to was almost certainly made in London circa 1685-90 and bears the maker's mark of an "H", most probably for Thomas Harris Junior. As you will see from the images, the Nutmeg Grater is modelled in the tear drop form and has a top and bottom opening, with stand away hinges, the sides also decorated with raised reeded girdles. The base is engraved with an unusual heart motif, comprised of feathery scrolls and the interior displays its original plainly pierced steel grater. The cover displays an engraved portrait bust of King Charles II, flanked by CR, for Charles Rex. The grater is in most excellent condition and is marked on the side with a single letter "H" most probably for Thomas Harris Junior. This is almost certainly a memento mori of this popular Stuart King, made after his death on 6th February 1685. Known as the Merry Monarch, he reinstated the institution of Monarchy in 1660 after the Restoration and his return from exile, after the end of the Puritanical rule of Oliver Cromwell. He was a much loved King, hence the heart on the base. His successor, and brother, James II, was not popular and was subsequently sent into exile in 1688.Height: 1 inch.Length: 1.5 inches.Width: 1.25 inches, at its widest point. ){kind=link}