Silver Plate Silent Butler

I wasn't sure whether to post this in Silver or here in Metalware so I opted for here since it's not truly silver.

Found this Silent Butler some years ago at an antique store in Burnet, Tx. It's 7 3/4" W x 5 3/4" D x 1 3/4" H. From the front to the end of the handle is 10 1/2". I apologize for the flash messing up the 2nd photo showing the intricate work on the top. I don't believe it's been hand chased though I could be wrong. On the bottom it has three lines:

E.P.B
Made in England
A square with a 5 in the middle.

I know the E.P.B. stands for Electro Plated Brass. Could this possibly have been for a hotel or gentleman's club? I'd appreciate any other information anyone can provide.

 

No clue though I suspect the center never had its intended engraving.

 

Almost every home with smokers had a silent butler in the 50s and 60s so probably not for a club. Often given as gifts, hence the center medallion for engraving.

 

Could be used when they were cremated too.

 

Probably a silent butler, but if it has wooden inserts (you don't show the interior) it was a cigarette box - for the butler/footman/waiter to offer diners an after dinner smoke.

 

This is why you need to make sure the cloth you use to polish is soft. Old t-shirts, sponges, scotch brites are not good.

Old SOFT cotton, sometimes sport undies with lycra. Test before doing the whole thing. You do not want to ruin a nice piece by scratching the heck out of it.

 

Very true, it was like that when I bought it. We always use cotton cloths we have around.

 

The interior is plain, I'll post a photo later.

 

Here's the inside

 

with those corners...it could have held a wood liner.....

 

Very good possibility, I never thought of that.