This is a simple sugar shaker made out of a thin and cheaper silver metal. It has a circular perforated top that can unscrew to open. The top is dented a little, particularly along the edges but still intact. There are a few rivets for the twist off feature on the sides of the shaker. The lower sides and bottom are completely plain. There is a handle made of the same material that is attached with little studs. The metal is dirty and a little pitted from use and age. The silver color is a little tarnished because of the dirt but still bright. The cap does not go on the shaker all the way but does mostly fit.

Paulina Franks' grandfather, John Rassogianis, came to Chicago in the 1890s. He began his life in the new city by peddling fruits and later, with the help of his sons Alex and George, would open a candy store. In the 1920s Paulina Franks' father Constantine became a part of the family business and the store was able to prosper. When the second business closed Paulina Rassogianis chose to hold as many of the candy store's items as possible and, later, donate them to the National Hellenic Museum.

The Rassogianis family began their candy business in Chicago proper, working out of their own shop named "St. Louis Ice Cream Parlor." Eventually, the shop was closed and the Rassogianis' chose to continue their candy store venture in Berwyn, Illinois. The new shop they chose to open was named Alex's Sweet Shop.

Paulina Franks' father was a key contributor to the success of the Rassogianis candy stores. While Constantine Rassogianis was a noteworthy entrepeneur, he also had many other accomplishments. Among these was his four years of involvment in the Greek national military during World War I wherein he obtained the rank of sergeant. Also, he was a published author and poet, an experienced mandolin player, a church officer and had extensive knowledge of psalti.

A muffineer is a utensil like a large salt shaker for sprinkling sugar, cinnamon or other granular condiments; it's a small container with a perforated top which is used to shake out powders like sugar, salt, and talc in a controlled way. People have been keeping powders in perforated containers for a very long time, since this storage technique makes a great deal of sense for substances which are used in small volumes. Substances like salt, sugar, and pepper were also once extremely expensive, so storing them in a shaker kept them protected and reduced the risk of waste. Silver salt shakers dating back to the 16th century and even earlier are on display at museums with collections of culinary artifacts, and many of these shakers had very fine, beautiful designs from the hands of master craftsmen. The word "muffineer" started to be used in the early 1800s to describe a shaker used to hold powdered sugar which could be spread on muffins, scones, and other breakfast goods.

Muffineers were part of the Victorian tableware along with so many other serving utensils that seem foreign to us now. Many were quite elaborate and they are very collectible today. . With the change in life style after the First World War and on into the 1960s, muffineers were referred to as sugar shakers and were not quite as elegant or elaborate.

This one is a plain one that was probably used for sugar coating cakes or candies. It is simple yet practical for its everyday use.

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