Pass the Milk Please

Growing up as a child in the 1950's through 1970's, it wasn't uncommon in our home to find food items on the dinner table in their original containers. Whether it was jelly in the jar it was canned in or the peanut butter in the grocery store can... it would simply be set on the table. For the Victorians, this type of behavior would not have been tolerated.

One of the food items that was not uncommon on the dinner table during Victorian times was consdensed milk. And since the milk was purchased in a can, they had to find a decorative and practical serving dish for the food. Often the milk would not be consumed during a single meal so it would need to remain in the original container for storage. Hence, the condensed milk can holder was developed.

This serving piece was usually found in five pieces as a complete set...an underplate/saucer, the outer container, the liner, a dipping spoon and a lid. Like most of the Victorian items, they were richly decorated and designed in a practical manner. In the case of the can holder itself, there was usually a small hold in the bottom of the holder so the liner could easily be pushed back out when the meal was over. The underplate was used to set the spoon on after the milk was scooped out. Most often, these items can be found in three pieces with the spoon and lining not included.

The condensed milk holder was usually made of porcelain (although I have seen a few of them made of silver) and manufactured by companies like Nippon and Limoges to name a few. The pieces were often exquisitely decorated with flowers or fruit. Prices can range from $40 to upward of $250 or more for complete five piece sets.

Pictured are a 5 piece set of Nippon and a 3 piece Victoria Austria Set (items not available for sale)

A Beautiful Dish for Little Fish

The sardine box or sardine dish was a popular item during the Victorian period. The piece is usually made of porcelain and was often times highly decorated. They were also made of silverplate or pottery. It was common for the sardine box to have a finial that was in the form of a fish. Before refrigerators were a commonplace item in the home, canned sardines were served at the table in this attractive serving piece. Some pieces had a hole in the bottom of the box for pushing the can out to remove it.

Antique sardine boxes have become very collectible in the last few years. You can find them ranging in price from around $50 up to in excess of $1, 000. There are also newer, reproduction sardine boxes available on-line...so beware.

Lidded Sardine Box manufactured by Victoria Austria, c. 1904-1918. (Inquire for availability. Sale priced at $205.95. Free shipping in the Continental US.)

Welcome to Angelwings Antiques

Thank you for checking out my new blogsite. My dream of becoming an antique dealer specializing in antique glass, porcelain, sterling silver and fine Victorian antiques has come to fruition. I couldn't be more excited.

Each week I will try to post a new blog sharing with you some of the unique items that I've collected or that I'm selling with photos to go along with it. Although I'm by no means an "expert", I will also try to share some information and knowledge about the items that I'm writing about. One of the reasons that I love antiques so much, and in particular Victorian antiques, is that many of these items are simply no longer available and served such unique purposes.

I look forward to your feedback on any of the items that I highlight and certainly will not be offended if you correct me because of your expertise on a certain piece.

Mark
Angelwings Antiques

Case photo at Tacoma Antique Center - Fife, WA