Pair of Edwardian Silver 'Parrot' Menu Holders

A marvellous pair of Edwardian silver menu holders in the form of parrots.

They are beautifully modelled and chased, each gripping a horizontal bar with their claws. The textures of the birds are very realistic, and each stands in front of a frame which holds the menu.  As they were made in two successive years, the frames differ slightly. The parrots are the same.

This is a lovely pair of silver parrot menu holders which would look most impressive on a dining-room table. They are a very good size and made to a very high standard.

Placecard holders started at the end of the Victorian period, and continued into the twentieth century. They often came in pairs, or sets of 4 or 6. Each one was put in front of a table-setting, and the guest's name was written on a piece of card that fitted into the back. Larger holders were designed for menus and were usually made singly.

This impressive pair of silver parrot menu holders was made in 1902/3 by Charlie Jacques and Frederick Bartholomew of London.