Description

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.

Marks. Both are stamped underneath with a full set of English silver hallmarks. Dated 1792 and 1798.

Literature: 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, replaced during the late 1730s by the more traditional circular salt standing on 3 legs. 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 had become commonplace on the English dining table.

Both salts are in very good condition. Moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Minor frits to the bases of the glass liners.

Maker: Naphtali Hart & Duncan Urquhart

Naphtali Hart & Duncan Urquhart, London silversmiths, in partnership 1791-1811. According to Grimwade their principle output, apart from buckles, seems to have been tea services of standard design. Naphtali Hart, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. 1st mark entered as bucklemaker in partnership with Duncan Urquhart 1791, address Clerkenwell Green. 2nd mark 1795, 3rd (2 sizes) 1802. 4th as plateworkers 1805, New Christopher St, Finsbury Square. 5th alone in 1812, King St, Finsbury Square. Hart continued to work alone until 1816 when the title became Hart & Harvey with his brother in law Henry Harvey. Hart was joined by his son John in 1828 as Naphtali Hart & Son and they entered a mark as watchmakers in 1833. Naphtali died in 1834 and John continued in business latterly described as wholesaler and retail clock and chronometer manufacturers and silversmith. Died 1858. Duncan Urquhart, London silversmith, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. 1st mark entered as bucklemaker with Naphtali Hart 1791. 2nd mark 1795, 3rd (2 sizes) 1802, 4th marks as plateworkers (2 sizes) 1805.

Customer satisfaction is our primary concern

All silverware on our website is checked thoroughly prior to offering it for sale and every product listing contains a condition report and details of the silver hallmarks.

All items offered on our website include:

• Free Shipping Worldwide
• Tracked and Insured
• 14 day no quibble money back guarantee
• We are accredited members of LAPADA and conform to their strict professional standards
• We dispatch 1-3 days after receiving cleared payments

More detailed information about deliveries, returns and how to pay is available in the Help section at the bottom of this page.