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 1690

     

    10333 17th Century Antique Silver Nutmeg Grater

    £1,275

    An attractive little collector’s item. A silver nutmeg grater of cylindrical form, the tube containing a steel grater. The pull off lid is hand engraved with the Tudor rose and the tube has the hatched decoration typical for small silver objects dating back to the final quarter of the 1600’s. Silver weight 14g, about half a troy oz. Length 6.1cm. Diameter 2cm. Maker mark I.I. English circa 1690. Sterling silver.

  • 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.

  • 1712

    Ozee Lhommedieu

    10312 Queen Anne Antique Silver Caster

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    An excellent quality antique silver castor from the early 1700’s having a baluster shape and the desirable octagonal panelled design. Made of heavy grade silver it feels good in the hand. The pull off top and the base are both made of cast silver and its unusual features include a top finial in the form of sugar caster, and a gilded interior. Hand engraved to the front is a star crest. Total weight 214 grams, 6.8 troy oz. Height 17.6cm. London 1712. Maker probably Ozee Lhommedieu. Britannia standard silver*. 18th century.

  • 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

    Gabriel Sleath

    10283 George II Antique Silver Caster

    £675

    An excellent quality antique silver castor with a  pierced removable top. Classic plain form. Heavy gauge and chunky style. Hand engraved to the front is a large cypher.   Total weight 195 grams, 6.2 troy ounces. Height 16.3cm. Diameter of base 5.2cm. London 1728. Maker Gabriel Sleath. 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. To the front is the hand engraved crest of a falcon over a plume of five ostrich feathers/ducal crown. London 1733. Made by Francis Spilsbury. Sterling silver.

  • 1738

    Samuel Wood

    10327 George II Silver Warwick Cruet

    £3,350

    A handsome antique silver cruet set with a matching set of 3 silver casters and 2 silver and faceted crystal oil and vinegar bottles. The cinquefoil frame has 4 shell feet and a shaped decorative cartouche to the front with a hand engraved armorial. Each caster and bottle bears the same matching crest. Total weight of silver 1288 grams, 41.4 troy ounces. Caster height 17.75cm and 14cm. Bottle height 17cm. London 1738. Maker Samuel Wood, known for his silver casters.

  • Circa 1750

     

    10274 George II Antique Silver Oil and Vinegar Set

    £1,475

    A good quality Irish antique silver condiment set with broad shell feet and a carrying handle. Very heavy weight and thick gauge silver. The silver frame has a handsome wheatsheaf and shell design cartouche containing an unusual hand engraved armorial of “dancing pigs below 2 axes”, possibly for one of the Irish Mac Sweeney lines The cut crystal bottles are very beautiful and have detachable silver tops which fit onto the side rings when the bottles are in use.

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

  • 1792 - 1798

    Naphtali Hart & Duncan Urquhart

    10286 Pair of George III Silver Salts

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    An elegant pair of silver salt cellars of oval form on simple scroll feet. The panelled sides have pierced decoration and bright cut engraving. Original Bristol blue glass liners with star cut bases. Total weight of silver 110 grams, 3.5 troy ounces. Height 6cm. Top measures 9×5.7cm. London 1792/8. Maker Duncan Urquhart & Napthali Hart. Sterling silver. 18th century.

  • 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.

  • 1802

    John Moore

    10288 George III Silver Pepper Shakers

    £550

    A decorative pair of antique silver peppers of tall baluster form with pierced detachable tops. Excellent weight. To the front is a flower and scroll cartouche and the body is embossed with pretty flower heads and foliate scrolls. The condiments are mounted asymmetrically on square bases. Weight (pair) 216 grams, 6.9 troy ounces. Height 16.9cm. Base 5x5cm. London 1802. Maker John Moore. Sterling silver. 19th century.

  • 1810 - 1811

    John Mewburn

    10258 George III Antique Silver Salts

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    A fine pair of antique sterling silver salt dishes formed as scallop shells mounted on naturalistic turtle shell bases. Heavy cast gilt silver. The detailed workmanship on these is quite exceptional. Each is hand engraved to the front with a bird crest. Weight 555 grams, 17.8 troy ounces. Height 8.5/4.7cm. Width 10.5cm. London 1810/11. Maker John Mewburn. Sterling silver. 19th century.

  • 1830

    Paul Storr

    10226 Pair of Antique Silver Salts

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    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 oz. 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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