Antique Silver Nutmeg Graters
A pocket-sized treasure of the Georgian table — the silver nutmeg grater held a precious nutmeg and a steel rasp for grating it into wine and punch. Small, ingenious and very collectable. A guide to identifying, dating, valuing and selling antique silver nutmeg graters in the UK.
What Is Your Silver Nutmeg Grater Worth?
Send a photo — including the marks — and we'll value it free, with no obligation. We reply within one working day.
In the 18th century nutmeg was costly and prized — and a gentleman might carry his own silver grater to spice his wine, punch or ale. These small hinged boxes, with a hidden steel rasp inside, are among the most ingenious and sought-after of all small Georgian silver, and the best examples by named makers can be surprisingly valuable.
Silver nutmeg graters: what they are
A nutmeg grater is a small silver container — egg, barrel, urn, shell, heart or teardrop shaped — that opens to reveal a curved steel rasp and a compartment to store a whole nutmeg. Made chiefly from the late 17th to the early 19th century, they were carried in the pocket or kept on the table. Makers such as Samuel Pemberton, Joseph Willmore and Hester Bateman are especially collected, and Georgian Birmingham examples are highly prized.
What collectors look for
Named makers
Samuel Pemberton, Joseph Willmore, Hester Bateman and noted Birmingham makers carry a premium.
Early date
Late-17th and Georgian examples are most prized; the hallmark pins down the year.
Novel forms
Egg, acorn, urn, heart and figural shapes over plain boxes; crisp engraving adds value.
Complete & working
Original steel rasp present and undamaged, hinges sound, lids close crisply.
What are antique silver nutmeg graters worth?
Valued on form, maker and date rather than weight, so the range is wide:
Indicative only — your grater depends on form, maker, hallmark date and condition. Send a photo for a free, accurate valuation.
What Determines Value
The factors we assess on a silver nutmeg grater:
- Maker — Pemberton, Willmore, Bateman and noted makers.
- Date — Early and Georgian examples most prized.
- Form — Egg, urn, heart and figural over plain boxes.
- Completeness — Original steel rasp present and working.
- Condition — Sound hinges, crisp closing, no splits or dents.
- Marks — Clear, complete hallmarks (often inside the lid).
Marks are often inside the lid or on the base — look for the lion passant for sterling. Plate is marked EPNS.
How to identify and date your nutmeg grater
Open the grater and look inside the lid and on the base for the lion passant (sterling), town mark, date letter and maker's mark; many of the best are Birmingham (anchor) marked. Plated examples stamped EPNS are worth far less — see our EPNS vs sterling silver guide. The date letter dates it — use our how to read silver hallmarks guide. Because these are small and light, form and maker matter far more than the metal value shown in the silver price valuation guide.
Nutmeg graters belong with the wine and table silver. See our guides to wine labels, vinaigrettes and caddy spoons. When you're ready to sell, visit sell your silver.
Value Your Nutmeg Grater
Send photographs of the grater, open and closed, and the marks, and we'll give you an honest, no-obligation valuation.
⚠️ Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins at either showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Antique silver nutmeg graters — common questions.
What is a silver nutmeg grater?
A small hinged silver container holding a steel rasp and a whole nutmeg, used to grate fresh nutmeg into wine, punch and food. Made chiefly from the late 17th to the early 19th century, often carried in the pocket.
How much is an antique silver nutmeg grater worth?
From a modest sum for a plain or late example up to a high collector premium for rare early forms by sought-after makers. Form, maker, date and condition decide — not the small silver weight. Send a photo for a free valuation.
Why are they so collectable?
They combine ingenuity, small size and great variety of form, making them a popular single-category collecting field. Fine Georgian examples by named makers are scarce and sought after.
Does the steel rasp need to be present?
Ideally yes. A complete grater with its original, undamaged steel rasp and sound hinges is more desirable and valuable than one missing the rasp.
How do I tell sterling from plate?
Look for the lion passant hallmark, often inside the lid. Plated examples are marked EPNS or A1 and worth far less. Send a photo of the marks and we'll confirm.
Where can I sell an antique silver nutmeg grater in the UK?
Mozeris Fine Antiques are specialist silver buyers with showrooms in Mayfair, London and Braintree, Essex. We offer free, no-obligation valuations — send photos or visit by appointment.
Send Us Your Photographs
Attach photos of the grater and the marks. We'll respond within one working day.