Heavy Sterling Silver Pierced Salt Cellars Pair, c.1900

A charming pair of antique sterling silver open salt cellars, each crafted with a pierced gallery and beaded rim. The pair has a pleasing small table form with attractive antique patina and a substantial combined silver weight of 72.7 grams.

The salts are stamped “Sterling Silver” to the base and are unmarked by maker. Their pierced design and beaded borders give them a refined late Victorian to Edwardian style, while the matching form makes them ideal for display, table setting or a specialised antique silver collection.

The blue liners are later plastic replacements and are not original glass. They provide a visual impression similar to traditional cobalt liners, but should be understood as modern replacements rather than period fittings.

Details

Item: Pair of open salt cellars
Maker: Unmarked
Marks: Stamped “Sterling Silver”
Date / Period: c.1900s, late Victorian to Edwardian style
Material: Sterling silver / 925
Liners: Later blue plastic replacement liners, not original
Decoration: Pierced gallery with beaded rim
Dimensions: Diameter 4.3 cm, height 2.5 cm each
Weight: 72.7 grams silver only
Condition: Good antique condition

Condition

Good antique condition with age-related surface wear and patina to the silver. The blue liners are modern low-grade plastic replacements and are not original. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

Open salt cellars were an essential part of formal dining in the 18th and 19th centuries, used before the widespread adoption of modern salt shakers. Sterling silver examples were often fitted with glass liners to protect the silver from salt corrosion, with cobalt-blue glass becoming especially popular for its strong decorative contrast.

This pair reflects the traditional pierced silver salt cellar form, with openwork sides and beaded rims giving the pieces a classic antique tableware appearance. Although unmarked by maker, the “Sterling Silver” stamp confirms the silver standard, while the substantial 72.7 gram silver weight gives the pair a stronger presence than many lighter examples.

A decorative and usable pair of antique sterling silver salt cellars, well suited to collectors of antique silver tableware, open salts and traditional dining accessories.