Posted 3 years ago
cdvintage
(28 items)
Looking for any information as to what this is exactly. I was told it could be something to do with pipe tobacco. It is heavy and there are no markings on it. Would appreciate any information on what it is and what it was used for.
I would say what you have is a bed warmer. You do put hot ashes in them then rub them around on the bed sheets to warm them. Very common before central heat was available.
How about some better pictures? The top and bottom detail would be nice.
I’m thinking fhrjr2 is probably right.
At first I considered it might be for collecting crumbs as they are brushed from the tablecloth but that receptacle would not need to be so weighty.
If rather small, it could be a "silent butler".
I think it probably is a silent butler. I did find a name on the inside. It says L E Mason, Boston, Mass.
cdvintage, My initial instinct was like that of fhrjr2 and Watchsearcher. i.e., a bed-warmer, but then I re-evaluated when I looked at the finish on it, which seemed to me to be suspiciously 'modern.'
As it turns out, you and blunderbuss2 are correct. L. E. Mason seems to have made these silent butlers in a variety of decorative motifs:
*snip*
Vintage Yale University Copper Silent Butler Lidded Pan by L. E. Mason Co. Boston, Mass.
*snip*
https://www.rubylane.com/item/741898-Bx2eyale/Vintage-Yale-University-Copper-Silent-Butler
*snip*
Vintage from the 1950s
Materials: brass, copper, metal
This hinged lid heavy, beautiful metal silent butler in copper and brass is monogrammed with an Olde English W. This piece has wonderful designs and patina. This vintage item was produced by the LE Mason company of Boston Massachusetts. This was a working piece of kitchen ware and does show signs of use. See pictures for details.
Measures
6.25" diameter
11" length including handle
1.5" high
*snip*
https://www.etsy.com/listing/641323727/le-mason-of-boston-mass-silent
*snip*
Vintage from the 1950s
Materials: Metal
Beautiful Brass and Copper hinged lid Silent Butler. Great Details on lid and handle. Wonderful patina. Made and marked by LE Mason Co of Boston Massachusetts.
Measures
6.25" diameter
11" length including handle
1.5" high
*snip*
https://www.etsy.com/listing/638108869/le-mason-boston-mass-copper-and-brass
About L. E. Mason:
*snip*
APR
22
2014
The L.E. Mason company that made this piece is still in operation, they began operations during the 1930s making castings in a variety of metals, such as monogrammed drink coasters, orange juicers, and trivets. This box is actually a humidor for cigars and cigarettes and dates from the 1950s. Mason made these pieces for institutions such as universities or private clubs, either with the customer's company crest/coat of arms or a monogram. The dark finish on this piece is not tarnish and is never meant to be polished off, the dark patina around the monogram is part of the original design.
This company has evolved with the times, switching from decorative and commemorative items like this humidor, to the production of commercial waterproof electrical fixtures and outdoor lighting that are still profitable in the domestic market.
*snip*
http://blog.valuethisnow.com/posts/the-l-e-mason-company
Thank you all for the information.
Thanks especially to keramikos for the snips and pictures. The one I have looks almost exactly like the pictures provided.
cdvintage, You're welcome. :-)