waxantiques

Condiments

Antique Silver Casters didn’t become common household objects until the late 17th century. They were made in varying sizes and designs and were usually for sugar or pepper although the Blind Caster, the earliest form of mustard pot, was used for dry mustard. The old spelling “castor” is not in frequent use currently and generally speaking, the term “caster” is only used now for sugar. During the 18th century, casters were often produced in sets of three for sugar and two types of pepper. As granulated sugar is a more modern development, the early Sugar Castors had larger holes necessary for crushed sugar. Sugar casters are also referred to as “muffineers”.

Antique Silver Salt Cellars are not commonly found until the 1700’s although the use of Salt Cellars is documented as early as classical Rome. During medieval times elaborate master salt cellars evolved which had not only a practical use but above all, a ceremonial importance, indicating the relative status of persons by their position at the table in relation to the large salt. By 1600 the Trencher Salt was in use in England however these earliest examples are extremely rare and probably you won’t find a pair of trencher salts before 1690. These salts had no feet and were made in a wide range of shapes: round, oval rectangular, triangular or octagonal. The early trencher salts were often marked inside the bowl and are often badly worn through use and cleaning. During the late 1730s the more traditional circular salt standing on 3 legs had mainly replaced the trencher salt. This shape remained popular until the late 18th century when the advent of the Industrial Revolution rendered both salt and salt cellars commonplace. From this time onwards silver salts were produced in a variety of forms, some with blue glass liners, and these become commonplace on the English dining table. Salt Shakers began to appear in the Victorian era, however there were problems with salt clumping. It was not until after 1911, when anti-caking agents began to be added to table salt, that salt shakers gained favour and open salts began to fall into disuse.

Antique Silver Peppers (Pepperettes or Pepper Shakers) originated in the 17th century when they were more commonly known as Casters. The most popular styles were baluster, hexagonal, vase and lighthouse which continued through to today. Novelty Peppers are a popular collecting field and can be found in many attractive forms, particularly animals. Kitchen Peppers have a side handle to aid pouring. The Pepper Mill was introduced towards the end of the 19th century, often with a French ball bearing movement, to grind the pepper at the table. They are often in the form of a butter churn.

The earliest antique silver Cruet frames, containing 3 castors and 2 glass bottles, were made from c.1700 onwards. This attractive form is known as the “Warwick” cruet after the cruet created by Anthony Nelme in 1715 for the Duke of Warwick. At this early date the two bottle Oil and Vinegar frame was occasionally produced although these are more popular on the continent. Later in the 18th century the number of bottles in a cruet increased to as many as 8 or 10 containing a variety of sauces of the period such as soy, ketchup, tarragon etc, so many that little sauce labels were needed to identify the contents.

Antique Silver Mustard Pots make a practical addition to the dining table. Mustard was originally used as a spice and applied in dry form. The earliest form of mustard pot, dating from the late 17th century, was the blind caster and the current form of mustard pot did not become common until the late 18th century. The pots usually have a glass liner to facilitate cleaning and often have a small matching silver spoon (with an oval shaped bowl). Novelty Mustards are a popular collecting field and can be found in many attractive forms, particularly animals.

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Condiments

Antique Silver Casters didn’t become common household objects until the late 17th century. They were made in varying sizes and designs and were usually for sugar or pepper although the Blind Caster, the earliest form of mustard pot, was used for dry mustard. The old spelling “castor” is not in frequent use currently and generally speaking, the term “caster” is only used now for sugar. During the 18th century, casters were often produced in sets of three for sugar and two types of pepper. As granulated sugar is a more modern development, the early Sugar Castors had larger holes necessary for crushed sugar. Sugar casters are also referred to as “muffineers”.

Antique Silver Salt Cellars are not commonly found until the 1700’s although the use of Salt Cellars is documented as early as classical Rome. During medieval times elaborate master salt cellars evolved which had not only a practical use but above all, a ceremonial importance, indicating the relative status of persons by their position at the table in relation to the large salt. By 1600 the Trencher Salt was in use in England however these earliest examples are extremely rare and probably you won’t find a pair of trencher salts before 1690. These salts had no feet and were made in a wide range of shapes: round, oval rectangular, triangular or octagonal. The early trencher salts were often marked inside the bowl and are often badly worn through use and cleaning. During the late 1730s the more traditional circular salt standing on 3 legs had mainly replaced the trencher salt. This shape remained popular until the late 18th century when the advent of the Industrial Revolution rendered both salt and salt cellars commonplace. From this time onwards silver salts were produced in a variety of forms, some with blue glass liners, and these become commonplace on the English dining table. Salt Shakers began to appear in the Victorian era, however there were problems with salt clumping. It was not until after 1911, when anti-caking agents began to be added to table salt, that salt shakers gained favour and open salts began to fall into disuse.

Antique Silver Peppers (Pepperettes or Pepper Shakers) originated in the 17th century when they were more commonly known as Casters. The most popular styles were baluster, hexagonal, vase and lighthouse which continued through to today. Novelty Peppers are a popular collecting field and can be found in many attractive forms, particularly animals. Kitchen Peppers have a side handle to aid pouring. The Pepper Mill was introduced towards the end of the 19th century, often with a French ball bearing movement, to grind the pepper at the table. They are often in the form of a butter churn.

The earliest antique silver Cruet frames, containing 3 castors and 2 glass bottles, were made from c.1700 onwards. This attractive form is known as the “Warwick” cruet after the cruet created by Anthony Nelme in 1715 for the Duke of Warwick. At this early date the two bottle Oil and Vinegar frame was occasionally produced although these are more popular on the continent. Later in the 18th century the number of bottles in a cruet increased to as many as 8 or 10 containing a variety of sauces of the period such as soy, ketchup, tarragon etc, so many that little sauce labels were needed to identify the contents.

Antique Silver Mustard Pots make a practical addition to the dining table. Mustard was originally used as a spice and applied in dry form. The earliest form of mustard pot, dating from the late 17th century, was the blind caster and the current form of mustard pot did not become common until the late 18th century. The pots usually have a glass liner to facilitate cleaning and often have a small matching silver spoon (with an oval shaped bowl). Novelty Mustards are a popular collecting field and can be found in many attractive forms, particularly animals.

  • 1643

    Arent Verstege

    10201 Antique Dutch Silver Jug

    £3,350

    An extremely rare antique silver jug dating from the 1600’s with a cast, shaped handle and superb decoration with embossed cherubs’ heads and bunches of fruit. Very heavy quality and feels good in the hand. Deep bright gilding throughout. Originally an altar cruet jug for wine and/or water. Weight 226 grams, 7.2 troy ounces. Height 15cm. Spread 10.3cm. Foot diameter 6.7cm. Haarlem 1643. Maker Arent Verstege. 17th century.

  • Circa 1680

     

    9855 17th Century Continental Silver Pomander

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    A fascinating piece of history contained in a small silver globe. This antique silver pomander of spherical form has all-over chased decoration of flowers & leaf-scrolls in low relief. The screw top unturns to release the six numbered, hinged segments with sliding covers, the interior with hand engraved flowers. The foot unscrews to reveal a secret hollow compartment. Weight 89 grams, 2.8 troy ounces. Height 6.5cm. Spread 9cm fully extended. The pomander is made of unmarked silver It is quite usual for a small article of this date to be unmarked. Probably Dutch. Circa 1680.

  • 1690

     

    9997 William & Mary Antique Silver Nutmeg Grater

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    A charming little late 17th century silver nutmeg grater of teardrop form, one side fitted with a serrated rasp. Each side has a hinged lid with stand-away hinge. Both covers are hand engraved with simple foliate decoration. Weight 29 grams, 0.9 troy ounce. Height 2.5 cm. Top 3.7 x 2.9 cm. Total spread across the covers 8.3cm. Unmarked silver. English. Circa 1690.

  • 1696

    St John Hoyte

    9964 William III Antique Silver Caster

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    A late 17th century antique sterling silver muffineer in the traditional lighthouse design with a bayonet fitting, so typical of these very early casters. Excellent size and heavy quality, it feels good in the hand. Lovely patina. The base is plain styled with a gadrooned base, the top is simply pierced, the holes are quite large as crushed loaf sugar was still in use at this early date. Uninscribed.Weight 304 grams, 9.7 troy ounces. Height 19.5cm. Diameter of base 6.3cm. London 1686. Makers mark for St John Hoyte. Sterling silver

  • Circa 1698

     

    9935 17th Century Silver Capstan Trencher Salt

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    A rare antique Dutch silver salt cellar, late 17th century, of square base form with canted corners. The waisted stem is beautifully engraved and chased with scroll and scalework detail, with the engraved date ‘1698’ above and initials ‘I T’. The base and circular bowl have the embossed fluting typical of the circa 1700 period. Weight 111 grams,3.5 troy ounces. Height 6.3cm. Width of base 9cm. Probably Dutch. Makers mark “HS”. Circa 1698.

  • 1717

    Samuel Hitchcock

    9902 George I Silver Kitchen Pepper

    £650

    An early antique silver kitchen pepper with simple plain styling, having a ring handle, pull off lid and centre horizontal band. Weight 61 grams, 1.9 troy ounces. Height 8cm. Diameter of base 5.5cm. London 1717. Maker Samuel Hitchcock. Britannia standard silver.

  • 1728

    Samuel Welder

    10214 Set of George II Silver Casters

    £1,450

    A super quality set of 3 antique silver castors with pierced removable tops. Classic plain form. Heavy gauge and chunky style. Each is hand engraved to the front with a large cypher on a matted ground. Total weight 443 grams, 14.2 troy ounces. Tall castor – height 16cm. Pair of smaller castors – height 13cms. London 1728. Maker Samuel Welder. Sterling silver. 18th century.

  • 1732

    Paul Crespin

    10103 Set of George II Antique Silver Casters

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    A fantastic quality set of antique sterling silver castors made by the master silversmith Paul Crespin. Classic plain style with pierced removable tops. Extremely large size, thick gauge and heavy in the hand. An unusual feature is that one small caster has been fitted with a plain inner sleeve, this is known as a “blind caster”, the earliest form of mustard pot. Height 21.5cm and 16.6cm. Weight 1056 grams, 33.9 troy ounces. London 1732 (large), 1733 (small). Maker Paul Crespin.

  • 1732

    Paul de Lamerie

    10181 George II Antique Silver Salts

    £4,750

    A handsome set of 4 antique silver salts by the sought after Huguenot silversmith. Plain, compact form and a lovely chunky feel. Heavy gauge metal. Total weight 440 grams, 14.1 troy ounces. Height 4.3cm. Diameter 6cm. London 1732. Maker Paul de Lamerie. Sterling silver. 18th century.

  • 1733

    Francis Spilsbury

    9861 George II Silver Caster

    £575

    A charming antique silver caster of plain baluster form with a pierced pull off cover. Good colour. Weight 179 grams, 5.7 troy ounces. Height 23 cm. To the front is a hand engraved crest of a crown with a little bird. London 1733. Made by Francis Spilsbury. Sterling silver.

  • 1748

    Samuel Wood

    9865 George II Silver Casters

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    A pair of antique silver casters, or tall peppers, of plain baluster form with detachable pierced tops. Classic style. Hand engraved to each is the crest of a lion. Total weight 263 grams, 8.4 troy ounces. Height 15cm. London 1748. Maker Samuel Wood. Sterling silver.

  • 1750

    Samuel Wood

    10228 George II Antique Silver Oil and Vinegar Set

    £1,475

    A good antique silver condiment set with broad shell feet and side carrying handle. The heavy silver frame has a handsome rococo cartouche with a hand engraved armorial. The cut crystal bottles have detachable silver tops which fit onto the side rings when the bottles are in use. Weight of stand and silver tops 524 grams, 16.8 troy oz. Total height 21.4cm. Stand width 20.3cm. Bottle height 18.3cm. London 1750. Maker Sam Wood. Sterling silver. 18th century.

  • 1751

    Elizabeth Godfrey

    9913 George II Silver Cruet Set

    £3,950

    A rare early English silver cruet with two bottles for oil and vinegar and a small silver castor or pepperette. Excellent weight and large size. The heavy cut crystal bottles have multi-faceted cut decoration, typical of the period. The silver frame has an acanthus scroll carrying handle and side supports for the bottle tops and pepperette. The top of the frame has a hand engraved armorial which matches those on the bottle tops. Total weight of silver 955 grams, 30.7 troy ounces. Height 23.5cm (overall), 20.7cm (bottle), 9.5cm (pepper). Base measures 19.3 x 16.3cm. London 1751. Maker Elizabeth Godfrey, a highly respected Huguenot lady silversmith.

  • 1761

    John Delmester

    9300 George III Antique Silver Warwick Cruet

    £3,250

    A handsome antique silver cruet set with a matching set of 3 silver casters and 2 silver topped and faceted crystal oil and vinegar bottles. The cinquefoil frame has 4 shell feet and a shaped decorative cartouche containing a hand engraved armorial. An unusual feature is that one small caster has been fitted with a plain inner sleeve; this is known as a “blind caster” which is the earliest form of mustard pot. Total weight of silver 1498 grams, 48.1 troy ounces. Caster height 19.5 and 16 cm, bottle height 18.3 cm, each with a matching hand engraved crest. Casters London 1764, frame London 1761. Maker John Delmester.

  • 1762

    John Delmester

    9155 George III Antique Silver Warwick Cruet

    £3,350

    A handsome antique sterling silver cruet set with a matching set of 3 silver casters and 2 silver topped and faceted crystal oil and vinegar bottles. The cinquefoil frame has 4 shell feet and a shaped decorative cartouche containing a hand engraved armorial. Total weight of silver 1214 grams, 39 troy ounces. Caster height 17 and 13.5 cms, bottle height 19 cms, each with a matching hand engraved crest. Casters and frame London 1762. Maker John Delmester.

  • 1766

    Richard Palmer

    8293 George III Silver Caster

    £450

    A plain style antique silver castor with pierced top and spiral finial. Solid chunky weight and feels good in the hand. The top is fitted with an inner lining to reduce the size of the holes making the caster more suitable for modern day (finer ground) condiments. Weight 177 grams, 5.6 troy ounces. Height 14.8 cms. London 1766. Maker Richard Palmer. Sterling silver.

  • 1780

    Thomas Harper

    8620 Antique Silver Trencher Salts

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    A handsome set of four antique sterling silver trencher salts in the rectangular form popular at the start of the 18th century but actually dating to 1780. Good size. Traces of the original gilt interior. Total weight 220 grams, 7 troy ounces. Base 7.5 x 6 cms. Top 6 x 4.5 cms. London 1780. Maker Thomas Harper. Sterling silver.

  • 1792

    Robert Hennell II

    9667 George III Silver Cruet

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    An elegant antique silver condiment set in the Adam style, the boat shaped silver stand having 4 original and matching cut crystal bottles, a pair of oil and vinegar bottle with silver hinged tops and a mustard pot with lift off lid. The cruet frame has a wooden base. Stand measures 24 x 15.5cm, height 25cm. All pieces marked London 1792. . Sterling silver. Maker Robert Hennell.

  • 1793

    Edward Lowe

    9976 George III Antique Silver Salts

    £850

    An elegant set of 4 of antique sterling silver salt cellars of oval form with pretty pierced decoration with swags. Blue glass liners. Lovely classical style with rope borders and standing on pierced shaped feet. Weight of silver 218 grams, 7 troy ounces. Height 5cm. Top measures 8.3 x 6.1cm. London 1793. Maker Edward Lowe.

  • 1830

    Paul Storr

    10226 Pair of Antique Silver Salts

    £3,750

    A pair of superb quality silver salt cellars by the world famous English silversmith Paul Storr. Excellent quality and good gauge silver as you’d expect from this sought after maker. Each rococo sea shell is supported on three conch shell feet and has the original bright gilt interior. Hand engraved to the front is a crest of a hand clutching a dagger. Total weight 255 grams, 8.1 troy ounces. Height 5cm. Top measures 10x9cm. London 1830. Maker Paul Storr. Sterling silver.

  • Circa 1840

    Luigi Sciolet

    10224 Italian Antique Silver Pot

    £2,250

    A curious little silver container in the form of a small teapot with a serpent spout and handle, four heavy cast eagle feet, and the lid finial modelled as a swan. 19th century. Fantastic decorative quality and heavy gauge silver. Likely to be an oil dispenser (oliera), possibly to fill something like a kettle spirit lamp. Contains 320ml. Weight 519 grams, 16.6 troy ounces. Length 18.5cm from spout to handle. Rome, Italy. Maker Luigi Sciolet. Circa 1840.

  • 1848

    Charles‚ Thomas and George Fox

    9413 Antique Silver Owl Mustard Pot

    £3,850

    A fine and rare antique sterling silver novelty mustard pot in the form of an owl. With realistically chased plumage, a hinged cover and red glass button eyes. Fitted with a blue glass liner. Weight 184 grams, 5.9 troy ounces. Height 9.5 cms. Diameter 6.3 cms. London 1848. Maker Charles Thomas & George Fox.

  • 1849

    Benjamin Smith

    7613 Antique Silver Mustard Pot

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    An excellent sterling silver mustard pot of circular form with a hinged lid by the highly regarded Benjamin Smith. The body and lid with a pretty hand engraved decoration with flowers and scrolls, the front with a crest of a stag encircled by a snake. Original blue glass liner. Weight 153 grams, 4.9 troy ounces. Height 8.5cm. Diameter of base 7.5cm. London 1849. Maker Benjamin Smith.

  • 1858 - 1900

    George Unite

    9361 Antique Silver Novelty Salts

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    A delightful set of three antique silver condiments, each in the form of a knight’s helmet. The visor moves up and down to open and close the salt pot. Gilded interiors. Total silver weight 195 grams, 6.2 troy ounces. One salt London 1858, height 6.4cm, diameter 5.1 cm. Two salts London 1900, height 6.6cm, diameter 5.2cm. All made by George Unite.

  • 1869

    Charles Stuart Harris

    9353 Victorian Silver Dog Pepper

    £975

    A charming novelty sterling silver pepperette in the form of Punch and Judy’s dog “Toby”. Wearing his distinctive trademark bowler hat and the ruffle collar with tassles. Detachable head and glass eyes. Underneath there is a Victorian lozenge registration mark. Total weight 58 grams, just under 2 troy ounces. Height 10 cm. London 1869. Maker Charles Stuart Harris.

  • Circa 1890

     

    9629 Antique German Silver Spice Tower

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    Of Jewish interest. A large continental silver spice box in the form of a medieval tower with a turret surmounted by a cockerel. All over gilded. The top 2 sections, each containing a bell, sit above the spice box which has pierced and engraved decoration. The box has a drop-down door with scroll catch. Weight 286 grams, 9.1 troy ounces. Height 32 cm. Continental silver marks. Possibly Hanau, Germany. Circa 1890.

  • 1913

    Asprey

    9921 Antique Silver Pepper

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    An excellent little silver pepper shaker of plain form and simple styling. The curved handle and bayonet fitting allow it to be shaken thoroughly without the top coming loose. This style is known as a “kitchen pepper”. Weight 86 grams, 2.7 troy ounces. Height 9cm. Spread 7cm. London 1913. Maker Asprey & Co. Sterling silver.

  • 1926

    Crichton Brothers

    9218 Antique Silver Castor

    £950

    A fine quality sterling silver sugar castor in the George II Huguenot style. Cast silver. The chased detail is superb. The pierced pull off top is engraved with face masks and baskets of flowers. The body has dolphin supports, ribbon and reed borders, and shell motifs. Weight 410 grams, 13.1 troy ounces. Height 18 cms. London 1926. Maker Crichton Brothers who specialised in fine quality copies of early English silver.

  • 1933 - 1937

     

    9735 Antique Silver Rabbit Condiment Set

    £6,750

    A fabulous set of 5 silver rabbit condiments. Excellent quality and vivid modelling. Heavy cast silver. Very rare. The bunny rabbits (or hares) are large and chunky and have coloured bead eyes. The set consists of a pair of peppers, a pair of salts and a mustard pot with a hinged lid. Total weight 884 grams, 28.4 troy ounces. Salts and Peppers – height 10cm. Mustard pot – height 3.5cm, length 9.6cm. All matching. London 1933 and 1937. Maker F & H Ltd. Sterling silver.

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