Silver-Plated Six-Slice Toast Rack | Seven Gothic-Style Arches | Ball Feet | Unmarked | Early 20th Century

Silver-Plated Six-Slice Toast Rack | Seven Gothic-Style Arches | Ball Feet | Unmarked | Early 20th Century

Six slices standing in a row of pointed arches, with a handle to carry them to the table.

Toast racks became a familiar feature of the British breakfast table during the Georgian and Victorian periods, and silver-plated examples continued to be made into the twentieth century. This unmarked rack has a row of pointed, Gothic-inspired arches. Its maker and country of manufacture are not identified, and an early twentieth-century date is attributed on stylistic grounds.

The rack has seven pointed-arch dividers, giving six spaces for slices of toast. The arches are formed from flattened metal sections, with shaped shoulders where they meet the lower frame. A slender central support rises to a pointed loop handle, with a small baluster knop beneath it. The open rectangular base has gently rounded corners and a central support running its length, and it stands on four ball feet.

The rack is in good condition, with a mostly bright silver-plated finish. There is scattered dark spotting, particularly around the lower joints and the base frame, and slight grey toning to the central support beneath the handle. All dividers and feet are firmly attached, with no dents or breaks. The rack sits slightly unevenly.

Key Details

• Maker: unidentified; unmarked
• Material: silver plate
• Form: seven-bar toast rack, holding six slices
• Design: Gothic-inspired pointed arches; central pointed loop handle with baluster knop; open rectangular base on four ball feet
• Marks: none
• Date: early 20th century (attributed)
• Dimensions: length 17 cm, height 16 cm
• Weight: 390 g
• Condition: good; scattered surface spotting, mainly to the lower joints and base frame; slight grey toning to the central support; all parts firm; sits slightly unevenly
• Buyer profile: anyone setting a traditional breakfast table, collectors of silver-plated tableware, guesthouses and B&Bs

Collector Appeal

A six-slice rack is a useful size for the breakfast table, and the repeated pointed arches give this one an architectural character. It suits a collection of silver-plated tableware, or works as a practical companion to other breakfast pieces.

Toast should be served upright; this rack has always seen to it.