help with a hallmark and name of the item

[evry1nositswindy]

I got this really cool piece but I'm not quite sure what it is.  My first thought was an egg tray, possibly for soft boiled eggs with salt cellars.  I found similar ones for sale here, but the cups are flared, plus there are no glass cellars.  These cups aren't flared, so the egg fits, but not securely.  The cups are too big for quail eggs.  Notice how the items fit on pegs and grooves so they don't move when carried.  Any thoughts on what this is? 

The hallmark on the bottom looks like HK with a caduceus, but there is only one snake, not two intertwined.  I have searched for the hallmark under US and British, but haven't found anything.   Point me in the right direction.

[waxu_93]

looks like Russian medical logo.Refer to Exodus, the story of Moses making the bronze serpent。

[waxu_93]

also maybe this one，HK is Hong Kong ,china😃

[rokkworks]

It’s a Victorian Egg Service Set or Egg Cruet Set. Google it, you’ll find many.
I don’t know the mark though, sorry. 

[wastingtime101]

Looks like a silver plated egg cruet to me. Plenty of versions exist without the flare on the cups. Not sure about the glass, but I assume they are salt cellars.

Only other thing coming to mind is a tray of shot goblets?

I'm not an expert so others may come along with better info.

[rokkworks · Accepted solution]

Here ya go - https://www.ebay.com/itm/131829986292 

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heimendahl_%26_Keller 

[maxine*j]

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@rokkworks wrote:

Here ya go - https://www.ebay.com/itm/131829986292 

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heimendahl_%26_Keller 

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BINGO!  Excellent find.

I will just note that the seller who referred to the symbol as Caduseus is wrong, though.  Caduceus was Hermes' staff, and it had two snakes.  The staff of Asclepius had one snake.  

Since Asclepius is the god associated with healing, most of the world uses his staff as a medical symbol.  Only the U.S. uses the staff of Hermes, who had no association at all with any aspect of healing, as a medical symbol.  (Fact:  Because the U.S. Army liked the symmetry of the two snakes.)

I know that's pedantic, but I guess that's the mood I'm in.  😄

Staff of Hermes vs staff Asclepius:

[evry1nositswindy]

@maxine*j  You and I looked at the same site!  Thanks.

[evry1nositswindy]

@rokkworks  Thanks!  I knew the HK wasn't Hong Kong, but I couldn't find the right name.  

[rokkworks]

Glad to help! 

[downunder-61]

That is really interesting and here in Au we also use the double snake one (not going to even try to type the word) LOL

[maxine*j]

Hermes is the protector of thieves and merchants, and a deliverer of the dead to Hades.  Given the American system for the delivery of medical care, perhaps Caduceus is the right choice.  😄

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[maxine*j]

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@evry1nositswindy wrote:

@maxine*j  You and I looked at the same site!  Thanks.

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What is odd is that Asclepius' staff should be one snake on a simple staff.  Hermes' staff should be two snakes on a staff topped with wings and/or a helmet.  The mark on your piece has one snake on the staff but a helmet and wings atop the staff.  So, mixed mythology there, you might say. 

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