What is this?

It looks like a creamer, but what is the back part for? Sugar cubes? On the bottom are the Gotham Hallmarks, “STERLING”, 1901A. Date symbol for 1914.

 

Maybe sugar packets ?

 

Looks to be the right size for sugar packets...were they around then?

And why make something out of Sterling for such things?

?!

 

Sugar packets were invented in 1940. Must be for cubes.

 

Cubes would fall out the open sides, I think.

 

This is far fetched, but maybe the pouring side is for cream, and the open side was for a glass container with milk??

 

What is the size of the rectangular slotted area,maybe for biscuits?

 

I don't have it in front of me to measure, but you could be right about the biscuits!

 

it's really neat......

 

I found this website, but don't know how to move around it.
Maybe someone else can
https://libguides.brown.edu/Gorham

 

This thing is really strange to me. Being multi-purpose, in a very "modern" sleek shape (for 1914), I keep coming back to the idea that it's hotelware. But it appears to be monogrammed? I looked through a whole lot of Gorham sterling "creamers" but couldn't find a single one with the extra space in back.

So I have a couple questions - 1. Dimensions? - both sections, outside in all directions and how much liquid the pouring part holds comfortably. 2. What is the "monogram" under the spout?

 

I will get measurements for you tomorrow! I have searched all over the internet looking for something like it to no avail. It belonged to my husband's grandmother and that is her monogram. I found it in the back of the china cabinet of our summer home.

 

This piece makes no sense to me...If you put sugar cubes in the slot, they would either fall out from the side or fall into the creamer as you start to pour. Same with anything else you put into the back spot, I can't think of a single item you could put in the back spot that wouldn't be a pain to keep inside while you poured your cream.

 

That's what I kept thinking as well. But it's sterling. Did they have sterling hotelware?

 

I think you're probably correct. A folded linen napkin makes the only sense. Particularly if this creamer was used on a bed tray.

The only other thing I thought of was a piece of toast. But why risk getting crumbs in the cream.

I can't think what might have been on the back if this was a syrup instead of a creamer.

 

The monogram looks like J F M for what it’s worth!!!

 

Could coffee spoons have been placed (sort of crosswise) in the opening, behind the cream?

 

I think it's for a glass insert , holding ice to keep the liquid cold......
and they only ever made one of them.........

 

Here are the measurements!