Antique Georgian Sterling Silver Salt Cellars by John Lambe, London 1784, with Blue Glass Liners and Later Spoons

A fine pair of antique Georgian sterling silver open salt cellars by John Lambe, hallmarked in London in 1784, complete with deep Bristol blue glass liners and a pair of later associated sterling silver condiment spoons.

Dating to the George III period, these elegant 18th-century salt cellars are raised on three shaped paw feet and finished with gadroon rims. The polished silver bodies contrast beautifully with the rich cobalt blue glass liners, giving the pair the classic Georgian table silver appearance highly valued by collectors.

The salt cellars are accompanied by a pair of later sterling silver condiment spoons by Francis Howard Ltd, hallmarked in Edinburgh in 1957. These spoons are associated additions rather than original Georgian matching spoons, but they complement the set well for display or table presentation.

Details

Maker, Salt Cellars: John Lambe
Origin, Salt Cellars: London, England
Date, Salt Cellars: 1784
Period: George III / Georgian
Maker, Spoons: Francis Howard Ltd
Origin, Spoons: Edinburgh, Scotland
Date, Spoons: 1957
Material: Sterling silver .925 with Bristol blue glass liners
Hallmarks, Salt Cellars: London 1784 hallmarks, partially rubbed
Hallmarks, Spoons: Edinburgh 1957 hallmarks
Set: Pair of sterling silver open salt cellars with blue glass liners and two associated sterling silver condiment spoons
Dimensions, Each Salt: Approximately 4 cm high x 6 cm diameter
Silver Weight: 113.3 grams, silver only
Design: Georgian open salts with gadroon rims, three paw feet and deep cobalt blue glass liners
Use: Salt cellars, condiment dishes, Georgian table silver, cabinet display or collector’s set

Condition

Excellent antique condition with light surface wear consistent with age and careful use. The Bristol blue glass liners are intact, with no cracks noted. The hallmarks on the salt cellars are partially rubbed, as expected on 18th-century table silver, but the form, construction and presentation remain very attractive. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

Georgian silver salt cellars were an important part of the formal 18th-century dining table, used for serving salt before the widespread adoption of later salt shakers. Open salts were often made in pairs and fitted with blue glass liners to protect the silver from salt corrosion while adding decorative contrast.

John Lambe was an 18th-century London silversmith active during the George III period, with recorded marks from the 1780s. This pair of London 1784 salt cellars reflects the refined table silver style of the period, with gadroon rims, paw feet and rich blue glass liners.

The later Francis Howard Ltd spoons, hallmarked in Edinburgh in 1957, make the set practical for presentation while adding a secondary layer of British silver interest.

This set would suit collectors of Georgian sterling silver, 18th-century British tableware, London hallmarked silver, blue glass-lined salts or refined antique dining accessories.

All items are vintage or antique and may show light signs of age. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions prior to purchase.