Of tubular form, the body scratch-engraved with palmettes or strapling foliage,
surmounted on one end by a pull-off cover engraved with an open tulip
and a marked cap to the other end TK (Thomas Kedder);
the interior housing a removable silver tubular grater (rasp), also marked.

This is one of the earliest forms of nutmeg graters and seldom offered.

The earliest nutmeg graters originated in England in the early 1600s.
Small "pocket nutmeg graters", began to appear in the mid-1600s,

first as one-piece silver tubes, and next as the rare teardrop graters. Both are objects rare survivors.
And only the wealthiest might have owned one.

During the 17th century, nutmeg was extremely coveted -

valuable in not only adding seasoning to food and drink,

but was thought to have medicinal and mystical properties.

However, the entire nutmeg trade was controlled by the Dutch,

and imported Indonesia's Dutch-owned Banda Islands -- at a great expense.

The spice was so important that the Dutch, in 1674,

agreed to trade the entire island of Manhattan (then New Amsterdam)

for a small British island (Granada) whereon the British grew just a few nutmeg trees.

Among the most popular uses for nutmeg was flavoring for "punch", wine and ciders.

Elite gentlemen would carry in their vest pockets a small silver grater,

with their personal nutmeg supply, thereby exhibiting both their wealth – and sophistication,

During the 18th and 19th centuries, graters – and nutmeg – became much more available

and were made in many materials, including treen, enamel, ivory, brass and gold.

Condition : Of good gage; the rasp is good but slightly out of shape;
expected dents, scratches and appropriate to age and usage

2.75" Long / 1 oz.

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William & Mary Silver Tubular Nutmeg Grater, Thomas Kedder, London, c1690 

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