The demand for these culinary devices, designed to press a whole rare-roasted duck, has continued well beyond their popularity in the kitchens of French and English country houses and restaurants.
Elkington made them to this design until the 1930s. Standing 17in (43cm) high including the wood plinth, it was estimated at £1000-1500 and sold to a London buyer at £3100.
Deluxe trolley
Another deluxe plated culinary accessory went further beyond estimate at the Mellors & Kirk (20% buyer’s premium) sale in Nottingham on March 21.
This 20th century EPNS carving trolley, standing 3ft 6in (1.06m) overall, was stamped Drakes Brewer Street London, model No A/1. Having been refurbished 20 years ago and stored ever since, it was in good condition and sold at £3500 against a £500- 700 estimate.
Both sales had some quality silver on offer.
Halls had a set of Paul Storr salts with gilt interiors and engraved crests, dated London 1813 and 1815. Pitched at a modest £600-800, the 2¼in (5.5cm) tall salts sold to a Cotswolds bidder at £3000.
