An antique dumbwaiter is a small, multi-tiered serving table which was used to transport food and drinks between different levels of a house. They were especially common in large homes during the 18th and 19th  centuries. A primary function, especially in wealthy homes and restaurants, was to transport food and drinks from the kitchen to the dining area on a different floor. This reduced the need for servants to carry heavy trays up and down stairs, enhancing efficiency and minimizing potential disruptions during meals.  Dumbwaiters allowed for more private conversations during meals by reducing the need for servants to be constantly in the dining room.