Whole Lot of Shakin' Going on. . .

Come on over, baby, whole lotta shakin' goin' on

Yes I said come on over, baby, baby, you can't go wrong

We ain't fakin' a whole lotta shakin' goin' on

Jerry Lee Lewis, 1957

We got a whole lot of shakin' going on here in our trove with a wonderful collection of antique and vintage sugar shakers, also known as sugar casters or muffineers. Originally sugar came in blocks or loaves and had to be broken into small pieces and ground for serving. For the wealthy, an elegant sugar shaker, typically in sterling, not only advertised that the family could afford this precious commodity, but also discouraged wasteful overuse by a guest with a sweet tooth. Although sugar shakers date back to the late 1600s, it was the Victorians, with their love of display and ornamentation, that started the fad for sugar shakers in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and colors. These pictures are just a sample of the marvelous muffineers currently in our trove. 

This whimsical wide-eyed owl in shining silver-plate is by Corbell & Company, originally established in London, England, in 1946. The company is known for its reproductions of antique hollowware.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

A Thoughtful Gift

This extraordinary enamel ring features a pink and deep purple pansy flower set with a gleaming white pearl. "Pansy" comes from the French word "penser," meaning to think. Pansies have long been associated with thoughts, particularly the romantic kind. In the language of flowers, a gift of pansies symbolized that the giver was thinking of receiver. Because of this symbolism, pansies were often incorporated into jewelry, making them a most "thoughtful" gift.

The ring is made of 14 karat gold and carries the double "B" mark of Baskin Brothers, a New York City jewelry company that operated from the early 1900s through 1950.

 

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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