ANTIQUE SILVER PAP BOATS
Antique Silver pap boats Description:
A small shallow receptacle for feeding pap (a mixture of gruel, bread, and milk) to infants and invalids.
Antique Silver pap boats History:
Nearly all the pap boats you will see are Georgian and were made between 1715 and 1830. Very few examples were made before 1715, and there production became sparse after 1830.
Antique Silver pap boats Design:
Most pap boats follow the same general design being a shallow boat shape with a narrow feeding end and a rounded holding end without a handle, and having a flat base. The majority were very plain however there are examples from the 19th century with gadroon edges and applied shells.
Antique Silver pap boats Collectors Note:
The level of craftsmanship and their aesthetic qualities determine their value. Unusual designs command the highest prices. But they must also be undamaged with good clear hallmarks, and crisp detail. Most were hallmarked at the wide end near the rim. Some were converted to cream boats with a handle and legs. If a handle was added it is usually fairly obvious by its proximity to the hallmarks.