I might add that monteiths were also made of glass (usually etched or
otherwise decorated) and pottery.  When made of these materials they had
molded scalloped edges as opposed to a separate, detachable rim.  They were
originally intended to rinse glasses between wines; the double use as a
rinser/punchbowl is a later invention.  A table might be set with one or
several depending on the number of guests.  Dr. Johnson may or may not have
ever seen a silver one but he was likely familiar with those of glass or
pottery.  Monteiths are still made today (and those of us with a penchant
for "times gone by" still use them at dinner parties along with cheese
boats, butter bowls, and castor sets :-)

The "punch" of the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries was a very different
libation from the juice-champagne-gingerale-and-sherbert abominations that
now bear the name.  Made with expensive imported fruits such as lemons,
limes, and oranges, various liquors, and sugar, a good punch was a
gentleman's drink made and served in smallish bowls.  The ability to prepare
a good punch was considered by many to be an art form.  The huge punchbowls
that double as monteiths or bottle coolers are almost always Victorian or
Edwardian.

Kathy in Virginia (who often longs for the return of Georgian grace and
elegance)

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