1791 Myristica Mascadier by Lamarck            Click Me! Myristica - Mascadier 1791 by Lamarck

     NutmegGraters.Com

Pursuing Our Viewers To Share Information To Better Preserve Nutmeg Grater History . . .

Items wanted to photograph

         INFORMATION WANTED:

 

WANTING TO PHOTOGRAPH:

After decades of work, I had hoped to publish a booklet on the mechanical nutmeg graters from Essex County Massachusetts. Although a very interesting story, there seems to be little interest among collectors or from publishers. Still, I remain hopeful in this dream ~

Because there are some missing pieces, maybe WebSite viewers might assist me. These WANTED TO PHOTOGRAPH (to the left) describes in detail the exact images I seek to create as illustrations for this anthology. Can you help?

The Little Rhody Nutmeg GraterBecause styles and production periods of nutmeg graters range so widely, to self-publish several focused booklets on nutmeg graters is more approachable (and affordable) than to produce a single definitive text. As time goes, I would like to publish additional volumes about nutmeg graters ~ if there becomes enough interest!
                                          Thank you for helping.    J. Klopfer

    fleuron
 SEEKING ANY INFORMATION:

The Little Rhody Nutmeg Grater

 

 

                           fleuron      
Chinese Export Silver Urn Nutmeg Grater      SEEKING ANY INFORMATION
:

Several of these Chinese Export Silver urn nutmeg graters are known, and multiple examples bear this same crest ~ a bird above the shield which contains an unusual lettering symbol.  Other examples are known having different crests symbols.  The significance of the letter symbol and of the bird symbolism has not yet been determined. 

Silver Chinese Export Silver Urn Nutmeg Grater with Unusal lettered crest

                                                     

Blackletter Fonts



 

 

 

 

 

 

Information Found:

While researching botanical prints, NutmegGraters.Com found the answer to its own question: Shown is a Fractur Font signifying the initial 'H'.

To the right: Blackletter Font is the umbrella term that bridges over 800 years of font evolution.  The earliest Blackletter Fonts, on paper, is believed to originate Circa 1150.  Pertaining to the history of Blackletter fonts, there is great conflict in opinion among its many grapheme experts. Based on multiple reports, the following summary was extracted.

Textualis font is reported to originate in the "early-1400's", and was utilized in Germany, France & Holland; Old English font stems from the printing of the Gutenberg Bible in Germany in 1455;  Schwabacher font is known from Germany beginning 1472; Fractur or Fraktur Font originated in 1513 in Germany, becoming the most common typeface used in that region by the mid-sixteenth century and used well into the 20th century; and Rotunda font emerged in 1517 Italy.  The 5 fonts illustrated do not reflect all of the mind boggling and endless array in variation in styling among these font types ~ the differences with their serifs, spurs, descenders and artist flourishes seem endless.  Note that the Fractur Font used on the nutmeg grater is a variation from the example shown illustrated to the right; however, they are clearly of the same family.       

Finally, NutmegGraters.Com is aware of an additional example of this nutmeg grater which features a differing cartouche.  Engraved within its mantling (upper portion) of the crest is an armadillo and contained within its shield are two initials in florid script (specifically, engraved in feathered script font).

                                          fleuron

Combination Tool With nutmeg grater

      SEEKING ANY INFORMATION: 

Several of these combination tools with nutmeg grater are known among collectors, but historical information about them is lacking.  A built~in receptacle neatly stores a nutmeg in its own container inside and when the cover is inserted, the heart shaped cookie cutter on the inside lid abuts the receptacle, securing the nutmeg in place.  It is wondered what was the intended purpose for the remaining internal container... storage?

Combination Tool with Nutmeg Grater    

                                          fleuron

SEEKING ANY INFORMATION: 

Milk Carton with mechanical nutmeg grater

The identity of this nutmeg grater (below and on the milk carton) remains unknown among nutmeg grater collectors.  The top of its cover is badly rusted leaving legible only four letters "...HERS"


Does anyone have an example that is readable?  We would love to know anything about this nutmeg grater. We will gladly post any of your comments.  If you can help us, let us hear from you.  Thanks!

 

 

                                          fleuron