Antique English Dressing Gong

"Shall I ring the dinner gong, M'Lady?"

In a Victorian household, mealtimes were taken very seriously. No one screamed through the halls "Come 'n' get it!", instead the butler rang a gong to alert the family and their guests that a meal was ready to be served.

Typically referred to as a dressing gong, it would be rung one hour before dinner was served as a warning for the family and their guests to go upstairs to bathe and dress for dinner. The gong was sounded again when dinner was served; it was also sounded earlier to announce luncheon, but never for breakfast which was self-service and would typically be available for more than two hours. 

As a charming memento of those simpler, yet still quite complicated times, we are pleased to present this delightful antique dressing gong. With a robust presence, the gong stands confidently on its base with horn columns holding the silverplate gong in place.

With a stature benefitting a country manor - although equally at home in a city apartment! - this delightful piece is complete with its mallet and would have taken a pride of place cheerfully calling the family to dinner.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Gong measures overall 15" at widest point and 19"H. In very good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use, including some wear to the silverplate of the gong as seen in the images.