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!

Elegant Eloquence

This shining silver-plate tea set, adorned with deeply embossed roses among rococo swirls, is aptly named "Eloquence," introduced in 1953 by Lunt Silversmiths. Lunt was an America manufacturer of fine silver and silver-plate flatware, tableware, and gift items, first founded in 1902, and rechristened Lunt Silversmiths in 1935. Its Embassy Scroll pattern was chosen by the United States government as its official tableware for all U.S. embassies and consulates.

This sumptuous service is perfect for re-enacting your favorite scenes from "Downton Abbey" or just adding an aristocratic touch to your morning coffee and English muffin.  It is the ultimate accessory for afternoon tea or dinner party dessert, and you will always be prepared just in case Queen Elizabeth decides to drop by for a "cuppa."  Sitting down to tea with this shimmering service on the table will make anyone feel like royalty!  Plus, at Next-to-New, you will not only find this aristocratic tea set, but also an assortment of beautiful antique and vintage porcelain, from cups and saucers to cake plates, to further accessorize your tea table.