It was years ago when I first saw a vintage muffin stand in use. A dear friend had invited me over for tea and used her muffin stand to provide more room for tea goodies which were within easy reach of our tea table. Then, I noticed these stands in use at The Tea Room in Savannah. Our server brought one out bearing cozy-covered teapots for me and a friend, and again I remember thinking how great it would be to have one of these lovely collapsible stands for use at teatime. I rarely saw them in antique stores, and when I did, they were typically marked $125 or more. I wanted one, but not badly enough to pony up that kind of cash!
In recent years, I've seen a couple more of these stands, which eBay describes as a muffin stand, pie stand (although the tiers are too small for pies!), cake stand (or "shelf") and even a "tea stand." Inevitably, I would be in an antique store and see a price tag of, say, $40 and get my hopes up, but alas that would be the price of the teapot or teacup on display, not the stand itself, which was going for the usual high price.
So this Saturday, when I was at an antique mall in Marietta, I brushed aside the tags attached to teawares on display and found that this muffin stand was indeed for sale and for just $19! I didn't have to think two seconds about that. I immediately asked a woman if she would place it behind the counter for me, absolutely delighted with this find! (This is what it looks like when folded for storage, although I will probably leave mine out all the time.)
It even has a wooden inlay and painted design, which I found just charming. A little furniture polish brightened it right up, and now I have a new teatime accessory which can display more teawares right now (yay!) and also be useful for serving guests the next time I have a tea. So if you want to look for one of these, I say this: don't give up, don't pay $125, and be patient!
It was years ago when I first saw a vintage muffin stand in use. A dear friend had invited me over for tea and used her muffin stand to provide more room for tea goodies which were within easy reach of our tea table. Then, I noticed these stands in use at The Tea Room in Savannah. Our server brought one out bearing cozy-covered teapots for me and a friend, and again I remember thinking how great it would be to have one of these lovely collapsible stands for use at teatime. I rarely saw them in antique stores, and when I did, they were typically marked $125 or more. I wanted one, but not badly enough to pony up that kind of cash!
In recent years, I've seen a couple more of these stands, which eBay describes as a muffin stand, pie stand (although the tiers are too small for pies!), cake stand (or "shelf") and even a "tea stand." Inevitably, I would be in an antique store and see a price tag of, say, $40 and get my hopes up, but alas that would be the price of the teapot or teacup on display, not the stand itself, which was going for the usual high price.
So this Saturday, when I was at an antique mall in Marietta, I brushed aside the tags attached to teawares on display and found that this muffin stand was indeed for sale and for just $19! I didn't have to think two seconds about that. I immediately asked a woman if she would place it behind the counter for me, absolutely delighted with this find! (This is what it looks like when folded for storage, although I will probably leave mine out all the time.)
It even has a wooden inlay and painted design, which I found just charming. A little furniture polish brightened it right up, and now I have a new teatime accessory which can display more teawares right now (yay!) and also be useful for serving guests the next time I have a tea. So if you want to look for one of these, I say this: don't give up, don't pay $125, and be patient!
What a great price! I found my version of this stand at an antique shop in Cookeville, TN and didn't blink an eye at the price tag of $75. My husband, being a hobby woodworker, thought I had lost my mind paying that much for a rickety old shelf. I reminded him how they used them at the Tea Room in Savannah on our many visits there. The collectiable teapot calendar had an article a few years ago and referred to them as a curate or curate's assistant. (interesting story goes with that name)
ReplyDeleteWhat a find! I especially like the
ReplyDeletedesign- unique !
I like the painted design on each level - great find.
ReplyDeleteHurray for you! What a great find! It really pays to keep your eyes open!
ReplyDeleteAlso known as a curate's stand/butler's stand! Great find Angela!
ReplyDeletehttp://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/curates-stand.html
What a great stand! The inlaid design is beautiful. I am so happy for you - and happy that 'the stand' will have a new use, in your home. Joanie
ReplyDeleteI have never seen one of these before. Now, of course, I will be on the watch for one because it would look just fine in my dining-room. I just posted a little bit on tea today on my blog. I think next to my love of cats tea has to be a close second. :) My cat, Sierra loves a little taste of chamomile tea once in awhile. Not that cats need to be any more calm than they naturally are. Loved this post. Deb =^..^=x5 Ottawa, Canada
ReplyDeleteI've never seen one of these before. But I think it's a wonderful idea. Enjoy your new find.
ReplyDeleteI use to have something similar, but not as nice. It would collapse and break things; so I no longer have it. Too funny!
ReplyDeleteMy father, who was in the navy, brought this home in the early 60's from Japan. My brother and I would play with it. I have it now. It is still in good shape, surprisingly. I just love it.
ReplyDelete