ANTIQUE SILVER MENU PLACE CARD HOLDERS
Antique Silver menu place card holders Description:
A small piece of table silverware for holding place-setting cards for names, or a slightly larger holder for menu-cards.
Antique Silver menu place card holders History:
A typical Victorian invention for the table to allow diners to be seated correctly, or to view the menu on offer. The earliest examples date from the mid 19th century, and they were made throughout the 20th century, and are still being made today.
Antique Silver menu place card holders Design:
Place card holders were often made in sets of four or more, whereas menu-card holders were made in less numbers, as normally there would be one menu-card holder per table, as opposed to one per seat for place-card holders. Place-card holders always have the same basic design with a flat base and a slot for holding the card vertically ons show, whereas menu-card holders were larger and were often designed with a supporting scroll or easel at the back. Many were made in interesting designs, often as animals, including those associated with hunting, shooting, and fishing.
Antique Silver menu place card holders Collectors Note:
A set of antique holders in unusual designs would command the highest price. Anything from the Victorian period in original condition and with a hunting, shooting, or fishing association, especially in their original presentation box, would be very collectable. Make sure that all the holders are hallmarked correctly and that the marks are the same across a set. Check any wire-work or piercing closely for damage or repairs.