Open or half covered boat-shaped vessels with a lip at one end were used to administer ‘pap’ to infants or invalids.

Recipes for pap usually called for bread, flour and water, sometimes with butter or sugar added. They were first made in the late 18th century. More commonly from porcelain, this lovely example is made from solid hallmarked silver and originates form London. The makers mark and the date stamp are difficult to make out, but the finely embroidered surround would make this a mid to late 19th century piece.

• From the Phisick collection