Etiquette and Traveling with Nutmeg

A monogrammed, Gilded Age gentleman’s sterling nutmeg grater in the shape of a melon. This was made by the Gorham Manufacturing Company. The melon was a popular design for nutmeg graters from as early as the Georgian and Regency Eras. The pocket sized grater is inside the melon, which also holds the nutmeg, so it was safe during travel. A generous gentlemen who would pull such an item of the precious spice from his pocket, would certainly offer to share with his peers, but it would be impolite to first request a gentleman share his nutmeg.— According to Antique Trader.com, “Nutmeg was highly coveted and revered by wealthy and fashionable people, so much so that they carried around their own pocket-sized nutmeg graters to add a dash of the spice to anything at any time, which was usually punch and other beverages. These graters are now valuable collectibles.”

Small boxes suitable for carrying in the pocket, and used to contain nutmeg were particularly popular during the eighteenth century. At this time nutmeg and other flavors had been introduced from the East and were in great favor throughout England. A nutmeg grater was actually a small silver container fitted with an inner grate attached to the cover on the inside. This permitted the dust to fall through into the box. The graters were made in a great variety of styles and shapes, but the general purpose of all was alike. It is interesting to note that they were in use throughout the first half of the Victorian era. — From “The Book of Old Silver,” by Seymour B. Wyler, 1937

 

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