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Object Timeline

1941	Work on this object began.
1991	We acquired this object.
2013	We photographed this object.
2015	We photographed this object.
2016	We exhibited this object.
2024	You found it!

Silent Butler (USA)

This is a silent butler. It was manufactured by Chase Brass & Copper Co.. It is dated 1941 and we acquired it in 1991. Its medium is chromium-plated metal, bakelite. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

The gleaming, sleek shape of this silent butler, combined with the linear decoration on its cover and handle, suggest streamlined motion and speed. Chase Brass & Copper Co. advertised it as a “smart new server for candy, mints, or nuts.” A host could simply flick the small thumb-piece to raise the lid and serve.

This object was donated by Mel Byars. It is credited Gift of Mel Byars.

Wine Glass Rinser (England)
glazed earthenware.
Bequest of Erskine Hewitt.
1938-57-425

Table Lamp
turned aluminum, brass, molded bakelite.
Gift of George R. Kravis II.
2016-5-14

Jigger And Swizzler Set
chromium-plated metal.
Gift of Mel Byars.
1991-59-133-a/e

Our curators have highlighted 1 object that are related to this one.

A mostly silver-plate cocktail shaker with a U-form dominating the bottom segment, also known as a spun hemisphere, with an angled base prone in an outward direction at the bottom. In an upward direction are two steps inward to a tall cylindrical body resembling a form of a skyscraper with two more steps out and three shallow steps inward leading to a lid with a neck and a red-orange Catalin (polymer) stopper that remains inserted during pouring. The photograph captures the cocktail shaker in a front view against a medium gray background.

Cocktail Shaker, 1928
silver-plated nickel, catalin.
Gift of George R. Kravis II.
2018-22-46-a,b

Its dimensions are

Overall: 6 x 29 x 14.5 cm (2 3/8 x 11 7/16 x 5 11/16 in.)

Cite this object as

Silent Butler (USA); Manufactured by Chase Brass & Copper Co. (United States); chromium-plated metal, bakelite; Overall: 6 x 29 x 14.5 cm (2 3/8 x 11 7/16 x 5 11/16 in.); Gift of Mel Byars; 1991-59-137

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Energizing the Everyday: Gifts From the George R. Kravis II Collection.

Short URL http://cprhw.tt/o/2Dw4F/
Accession Number 1991-59-137
Object ID 18636773