Croft & Assinder Brass Squirrel-handled silent butler - brush and pan set

I find squirrels absolutely charming and will always stop to admire them when I’m the northern hemisphere. One friend I visited was less enthusiastic calling them “the rats of the trees” but I think for most New Zealanders a squirrel is a delight. So, it was an easy decision to acquire this lovely brass brush and pan set. Sets of this size were used as silent butlers to tidy crumbs from tables or to remove ash from hearths. The squirrel handled tray is marked C&A for Croft & Assinder, established in 1875 in Birmingham. This set likely dates to the early twentieth century. 

This fabulous set is featured in a video on our Facebook and Instagram pages. The modelling on the two squirrels is quite different making me wonder if the squirrel handled tray was added later to the original squirrel brush and plain pan. Either way, they are delightful pieces of the past.

Please look closely at the photographs as they form an important part of the description. If you are based in Wellington, free delivery is available in the central, southern and eastern suburbs, or for $5 in the northern and western suburbs. If you would like further information, please get in touch directly (contact@eldercroftandsons.co.nz).