S/5817 Antique Treen 19th Century Coquilla Nut Nutmeg Grater

A pleasing example of an early 19th century nutmeg grater in three sections and made from a coquilla nut. The top unscrews to reveal a removable screw threaded bone mounted metal grater and when removed one can gain access to the base for the grated nutmeg. The body is of barrel form and is intricately ring turned. The whole has a rich colour an patination.

Coquillas are the nuts of the Attelea Funifera, a palm known in Brazil as the Piassaba. The trees thrive in the swampy ground on the eastern side of South America.

Provenance: Desborough Collection

Sold 2 in. (5 cm.) High
1½ in. (4 cm.) Diameter English Circa 1820