Objects

A milk jug with a silver galvanic coating, manufactured in the plants of the Norblin, Buch Brothers and T. Werner Metal Factories Joint Stock Company (Towarzystwo Akcyjne Fabryk Metalowych Norblin, Bracia Buch i T. Werner, 1820–1948). This information can be read from the signature on the bottom of the vessel: “NORBLIN i S-ka | GALV. | WARSZAWA”. The letters “BM” (biały metal – white metal) embossed on the underside indicate that the vessel is made of an alloy containing 92% tin, 6% antimony, and 2% copper; subsequently, it was covered with a silver coating. The number „6628” is assigned to a pattern produced by the factory. On the bottom of the jug, there is also the inscription “ZIEMIAŃSKA”, suggesting that the vessel was produced for the needs of the famous Mała Ziemiańska café in Warsaw.

The form of the milk jug is simplified, devoid of any decorations. The belly is cylindrical, very straight, only slightly tapering towards the edge. The handle is blocky, cylindrical and thicker in the upper part, slightly higher than the rim of the vessel, and attached in the middle of the belly height. The spout of the jug is also chunky; the division between the belly and the spout is clearly visible; the spout starts slightly above the half of the belly and goes slightly above its edge. The edge of the spout is slightly folded inward. The vessel also has a distinct, cylindrical foot.

Coffee in Mała Ziemiańska was served “Warsaw style”, i.e. in glasses half filled with aromatic black brew (“a half of black”). The guests at the tables could top up their coffee with milk as they wished, using milk jugs, such as the one shown in the photo. The restaurant was also famous for its “ziemianki” – as small doughnuts served there were called; “faworki” (angel wings) baked seasonally during the New Year’s period; as well as for speciality cakes and pastries which could also be ordered with home delivery.

The spoon is presented in Gallery no. 6 “On a Jewish street (19187–1939)”, in the space referring to the interior of the Mała Ziemiańska café.

Marta Frączkiewicz