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Overview
Two antique American silverplate julep strainers with scallop-shell bowls and a five-point star cut out of each handle. The bowls are deeply ribbed and pierced with rows of small holes. The longer strainer has a tapered, rounded handle and lozenge-shaped holes. The shorter one has a fan-shaped handle end, a small collar above the bowl and round holes. Both have a dark, unpolished surface with lighter metal showing on the high points. They suit a home bar, a bar cart or a display of antique barware and silverplate.
Background
Julep strainers were used in American bars and homes from the late 19th century. The strainer sits inside the glass, and the pierced bowl holds back ice and mint while the drink is poured or sipped. This star-handle shell design appears as the "Star" julep strainer in the Meriden Britannia Company's 1886 catalog, and similar versions were sold by other makers. The longer strainer is marked "1847 ROGERS BROS. A1" on the back of the handle; 1847 is part of the trademark, not the year it was made. The shorter one is marked "Wm. Rogers". Both are silverplate, not sterling, and date from the late 19th to early 20th century.
Condition
Antique used condition with heavy tarnish; they have not been polished. There is wear to the silver plate, with a warmer yellow tone showing in the bowls and on the high points, along with scratches, scuffs and dark spots. The shorter strainer has a bent tip at the star end of the handle and small green spots in some of the holes. No breaks or separations are visible. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The longer strainer is 5.8 inches long (14.7 cm) and the shorter one is 5.5 inches long (14.0 cm). Each shell bowl is 2.8 inches wide (7.1 cm). Together they weigh 2.7 oz.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
