Art Deco Era Sterling Silver Hand-Engraved Salt and Pepper Shakers
Hollowware (Salt and Pepper Shakers) · Likely American manufacturer such as Gorham, international, or Wallace; notable for mid-market high-quality production in the early 20th century.
Pattern: Floral Repoussé/Engraved Colonial Revival series; features a generic but elegant floral motif popular in the 1920s-1940s.
Type
Hollowware (Salt and Pepper Shakers)
Maker
Likely American manufacturer such as Gorham, international, or Wallace; notable for mid-market high-quality production in the early 20th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity); solid silver construction throughout with no base metal visible.
Dimensions
Approximately 4.5 to 5 inches in height; estimated weight 80-120 grams for the pair excluding any resin weighting.
Description
This elegant pair of sterling silver shakers showcases the transition from intricate Victorian motifs to the cleaner lines of the mid-20th century. The pear-shaped form is classically inspired, while the delicate floral engraving adds a touch of domestic warmth. They serve as both functional tabletop tools and decorative accents.
Key Features
Distinctive baluster shape, hand-engraved floral band, and tiered decorative finials on the caps.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity); solid silver construction throughout with no base metal visible.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished surface with hand-engraved floral band around the bulbous center; features a gadrooned or beaded border mid-waist and a tiered finial.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped 'Sterling' with a manufacturer's pictorial mark or '925' on the underside of the weighted or hollow base.
Construction Details
Spun silver body with die-struck base; the two halves appear to be joined at the beaded mid-section with threaded or friction-fit caps for filling.
Functional Features
Perforated tops with different hole sizes (finer for salt, larger for pepper); removable friction-fit or screw-on lids for refilling.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; feature a pear-shaped (baluster) body designed for an ergonomic grip between the thumb and fingers.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays quality machine-spinning with hand-finished decorative engraving; the symmetry indicates high-quality industrial manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic wear on the base; depth and irregularity of engraving suggesting hand-work; 'Sterling' mark expected on the bottom.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; likely produced in a major silver center such as Providence, RI or Meriden, CT.
Era & Period
Art Deco to Early Mid-Century Modern (c. 1920-1950) with Colonial Revival stylistic influences.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1945 based on the floral engraving style and the baluster silhouette.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th century shift toward informal but sophisticated dining and the democratization of silver ownership in middle-class households.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition; minor surface scratches and light tarnish consistent with age; one shaker shows a small pin-dent near the top.
Value Estimate
$100.00 - $180.00 USD for the pair depending on total silver weight and maker prestige.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream; ensure salt is emptied if stored for long periods to prevent pitting/corrosion from sodium chloride.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' shakers (more ornate) or Revere-style shakers (plain polished with no engraving).
Interesting Facts
During the era these were made, salt and pepper shakers became a standard wedding gift, replacing the more formal open salt cellars of the 19th century.