ntantiques wrote:
>
> #2 The ebay pics show two numbers, the registration and another
> which is probably Asprey's item number. In my google search I ran
> across photos of the rack w/warming unit that had exactly the same
> numbers marked on it as the ebay item - unusual since they are clearly
> different versions. The "warmer" version has an open ring that holds
> the spirit lamp and the ebay item has an attached metal cup that the
> glass dish sits in. Generally a difference that significant would
> rate a different set of numbers. (That said, it could be an earlier or
> later version of the same basic design)

Certainly a raised eyebrow is justified.

> #3 The ebay pics showing the marks give you a view of the underside
> of the metal cup. It may just be the photo, but the silver plate
> there looks rough for an Asprey piece. It may be because it's
> "pounded," but that would be an odd element for a part that would be
> covered by a glass insert and generally not seen.

Both eyebrows.

> #4 Since you've been wandering around ebay for a while, I'm sure you
> realize there's frequently an element of creative thinking in the
> seller's descriptions. Over the years I often found pieces that had
> lost original parts and had functional, but incorrect, elements
> added. That glass insert could be original, but it also could be an
> individual nut dish or some other bit that just happened to be the
> right size to pop in there. The seller may not even be aware if it is
> a replacement.
>
> #5 Have never seen a small toast rack which incorporated a butter
> dish - probably because it would be somewhat awkward to dig in there
> for the butter while there were still pieces of toast racked up on
> top. Doesn't mean they don't exist, but it would be unusual.]

Ah, this reminds me of my first suspicion.
Wouldn't putting the butter under the toast
create a possibility of crumbs landing on
the butter. The sort of people who would be
served toast in this thing certainly wouldn't
be expecting that, and the staff would have
to ensure that no crumbs were shaken off the
toast while it was being carried.

> The good news is that if it is indeed a marriage, dedicated Asprey
> collectors aren't going to pay top dollar for it. It's charming and
> very usable - but I wouldn't gamble any more than your $137.99 on it.
> It's a very simple plated piece, not sterling, and realistically
> speaking, I'd have been hard pressed to get more than that for it in
> my shop. English collectors go nuts over Asprey, but I never found
> the same level of interest in the San Francisco area.

I'm trying not to bid at all. I was encouraging
someone else to bid that high, so it would be
clearly outside of my comfort zone.