Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Open Salt Cellars, Birmingham 1895, with Cobalt Liners and Mappin & Webb Spoons

A finely decorated pair of antique Victorian sterling silver open salt cellars, hallmarked in Birmingham in 1895, complete with cobalt blue glass liners and a pair of associated sterling silver salt spoons by Mappin & Webb.

Each salt cellar features an ornate twin-handled form with pierced sides, repoussé floral and scroll decoration, and a rich cobalt blue glass liner. The contrast between the polished silver and deep blue glass gives the pair a classic Victorian table silver appearance.

The accompanying salt spoons are later associated pieces by Mappin & Webb, hallmarked in Sheffield in 1906. Although not original to the 1895 salt cellars, they complement the set beautifully and add further British silver interest.

Details

Maker, Salt Cellars: Unidentified, maker’s mark rubbed
Origin, Salt Cellars: Birmingham, England
Date, Salt Cellars: 1895
Period: Victorian
Maker, Spoons: Mappin & Webb
Origin, Spoons: Sheffield, England
Date, Spoons: 1906
Material: Sterling silver .925 with cobalt blue glass liners
Hallmarks, Salt Cellars: Birmingham 1895 hallmarks, maker’s mark rubbed
Hallmarks, Spoons: Sheffield 1906 hallmarks by Mappin & Webb
Set: Pair of sterling silver open salt cellars with two associated sterling silver salt spoons
Dimensions, Each Salt Cellar: Approximately 10.5 × 5 cm
Height: Approximately 7 cm
Silver Weight: 104.3 grams, silver only, excluding glass liners
Design: Twin-handled open salts with pierced sides, floral repoussé decoration, scrollwork and cobalt blue glass liners
Use: Salt cellars, condiment dishes, Victorian table silver, cruet collection or cabinet display set

Condition

Excellent antique condition with light surface wear consistent with age and careful use. The silver presents beautifully, and the cobalt blue glass liners are intact, with no cracks or chips noted. The maker’s mark on the salt cellars is rubbed, but the Birmingham 1895 hallmarks remain identifiable. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

Open salt cellars were an important part of the Victorian dining table, used for presenting salt before the widespread use of modern salt shakers. Sterling silver examples were often fitted with blue glass liners to protect the silver from salt corrosion while adding a striking decorative contrast.

This pair reflects the Victorian taste for richly ornamented table silver, with pierced silverwork, repoussé floral decoration, twin handles and deep cobalt liners. The later Mappin & Webb spoons add a complementary layer of British silver history, linking the set to one of Sheffield’s best-known silver and jewellery firms.

The combination of Victorian sterling silver, cobalt glass liners, decorative form and associated Mappin & Webb spoons makes this set appealing to collectors of British silver, antique condiment wares, Victorian table accessories and refined dining pieces.

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.