Antique Silverplate Presentation Muffin Dish

Do you know the muffin man?
The muffin man, the muffin man.
Do you know the muffin man
Who lives in Drury Lane?

In Victorian England, many households had their fresh foods delivered daily - and muffins were no exception, being delivered door-to-door by the muffin man. The muffins, however, were not the sweet, cupcake-like baked goods we call muffins today. They were what we call "English muffins" - which in England are referred to simply as muffins.

Since muffins are best served warm, and since the Victorians had a specific serving piece for every item on their table, the muffin dish was born.

Found at market in England, this gleaming muffin dish consists of three parts: the base with its pretty, scalloped edge; into this fits a tray; and the whole is then covered by a beautifully domed lid with an ebony wood finial. To keep the muffins warm, hot water is poured into the base, the tray for the muffins is placed over the water, and the lid then keeps them warm during breakfast! 

This exceptional dish was produced by Britain's venerable Walker & Hall silversmiths and is lovingly engraved on its lid with the following personal dedication:

A thoughtful gift, it shares its grace even still as the perfect serving dish for your freshly toasted English muffins or crumpets. Recalling the beauty of a bygone era, this storied antique treasure with its aristocratic provenance will bring its elegance to your breakfast table just as it did for Alice Willmott over a century ago.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Circa 1920. In very good antique condition. Muffin Dish: 7.5" in diameter x 5" H with lid on.