For sale are two antique silverplated bar strainers: a julep strainer and toddy strainer both having aesthetic patterned handles which are different, yet complimentary.
The julep strainer is unmarked as to manufacturer. It measures 5 and 7/8ths inches in length and the bowl measures approximately 2 and 3/4ths inches wide. The pattern is unknown. It is somewhat similar to the aesthetic Eastlake pattern that dates to 1882. I believe it to be silverplate. Unlike many other julep strainers that have a “star” or “clover” or “shield” cut-out in the handle (presumably to hang the strainer on the wall), this one does not. It has some use and polish marks and no plate loss.
The toddy strainer is marked “1880” Pairpoint Mfg. Co. 2″ There is also a very small faint mark at the underside of the bend in the handle that reads “Pat. July 83”. The pattern is called “Ascot” designed by Thomas J. Pairpoint, patent date July 10, 1883. This strainer measures 4 and 3/8ths inches in length and 2 and 1/16th inches in diameter. The last photo shows this strainer on the page from the 1886 Meriden Britannia catalog which shows their version of the “small julep strainer”. Noel Turner inhis book, American Silver Flatware, shows this item design as a “toddy strainer”. There is a nice deep patina to the finish. There are some light use marks.
To read more about julep strainers and their use, please see my blog post “The Victorian Bar”:
http://queenofsienna.wordpress.com/2013/06/29/the-victorian-bar/
These strainers look great together and are marvelous examples of barware from the 1880s.
If you are interested, please see my Etsy listing here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/238422837/antique-silver-plated-julep-strainer-and
Please see photos for additional condition details and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Thanks for looking!
Behind The Bar 