✅ SOLVED 835 silver , but what was it used for

[PikesPeakCharlie]

A big howdy to all . I sure would appreciate it if someone knows what this was used for . It is 2 3/8 " high and 2 1/2 " wide and the screen swivels . Thanks !! PPC

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Tea strainer. You tip it and slide the teacup under, add tea leaves (or pressed pellets) in the strainer, and then the tray catches the drips after you pour the hot (never boiling!) water on the tea leaves and remove the filled cup.

Keep your pinky extended while doing so.

 

[Red-Coat]

It is indeed a tea strainer, but not quite for use as described above. The tea is brewed from loose leaf in a teapot but when your pour it you don’t want those leaves in your cup. You tilt the strainer so the mesh bowl sits over your cup, pour the tea through it, and the mesh retains any stray leaves. When you set the thing back on the table, the mesh bowl tilts back to its normal position and the pan at the bottom catches any drips.

It’s by Johann Beck of Schwäbisch Gmünd in Germany. The dates for this maker are uncertain, but your piece has the national ‘Crescent and crown’ (Halbmond und Reichskrone) which was in use from 1886 and became a compulsory mark from 1888.

[PS: For black tea, the water should be as near boiling point as possible if you want it to brew properly. 'Pinky extension' is optional].

 

[PikesPeakCharlie]

'Thanks ! Charlie & Red Coat , I was thinking tea strainer but wasn't sure , now I know . It was $1.99 at the thrift store . HH