Invalid Feeder Cup

The invalid feeder cup was commonly used in the care of the sick during the 19th Century and into the early 20th Century. As strawers did not exist the spout offered a way of feeding sick people liquid food and drink. The handle is situation to the side so it can be held by the nurse or carer and poured into the invalid's mouth. This particular example has gold trim painted on the white glazed porcelain. It also has a guard in the shape of a mouth to prevent the liquid spilling onto the invalid. These 'moustache guards' were quite common in Victorian times with feeder cups as well as standard tea sets, to ensure men's facial hair, a very popular style of the time, stayed clean.