Mappin & Webb | 'Mappin Plate' | Silver-Plated Four-Slice Toast Rack | London & Sheffield

Mappin & Webb | ‘Mappin Plate’ | Silver-Plated Four-Slice Toast Rack | London & Sheffield

Made for a breakfast table where the toast was kept upright and allowed to cool.

Mappin & Webb, of London and Sheffield, was one of the best-known British makers of silver and silver plate, and its plated wares carried the firm’s own trade names. This rack is stamped “Mappin Plate”.

The rack has five arched wire dividers, which hold four slices. A spade-shaped loop handle rises from the centre. The dividers stand on a pair of flat base bars with shaped ends, and the maker’s marks are stamped along one bar.

Very good condition. No loss to the plating and no dents. A few minor surface scratches from use.

Key Details

• Maker: Mappin & Webb, London & Sheffield
• Material: silver plate (‘Mappin Plate’)
• Marks: “Mappin & Webb, London & Sheffield, Mappin Plate”; “W20380”; letter H in a shield (a Mappin & Webb date letter; its year is not firmly established)
• Date: 20th century
• Form: four-slice toast rack with central loop handle
• Dimensions: length 8.1 cm; width 6.9 cm; height 11.6 cm
• Weight: 153 g
• Condition: very good
• Buyer profile: anyone setting a traditional breakfast table, and collectors of Mappin & Webb

Collector Appeal

The design is plain and practical, with the maker’s name and trade name clearly stamped. It suits everyday use at the breakfast table as well as display.

Each slice stood on its own, so none went soft.