In the 18th and 19th centuries elaborate serving pieces were used in the dining rooms of wealthy households. Food would be brought from the kitchens by the staff and placed on buffet servers at the side of the room, a butler or footman would then serve the food from the serving pieces. These pieces would come in all manner of materials and styles including silver, silver plated and porcelain.
 
This is a large silver plated warming stand used on a buffet table in a dining room, it has a small burner intergrated into the stand, this is on gimbel, allowing the burner to stay upright when moved, the burner would hold methalated spirits and has a lid to extinguish the flame when needed. A dish or plate of food could be placed on top of the stand and the small burner would keep the food warm. 
 
These pieces were usually used in a large country or townhouse and would be seen on the breakfast buffet table, as family members didnt always come down to breakfast at the same time, it would keep the food warm. Also popular in hotels at this time.
 
The silver plate is in good condition with no signs of wear. The spirit holder is in tact and has a hinged lid which works well.
 
Dimensions: 36cm wide x 23cm deep x 14cm high