Description

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.
19^th century.

Marks. Stamped below the front rim with a full set of English silver hallmarks.

Literature. 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 and by 1600 the Trencher Salt was in use in England. 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 became commonplace on the English dining table.