Alvin Manufacturing Co. Sterling Silver Overlaid Glass Salt Shaker, Rose Pattern
Hollowware/Salt Shaker · Alvin Manufacturing Co. (Alvin Silver Company), founded in 1886 by William H. Jamouneau in New Jersey, later acquired by Gorham. Noted for high-quality Art Nouveau silver overlay.
Pattern: Stylized Rose floral pattern; part of the Early 20th Century Glass Overlay series. Hand-cut silver deposit/overlay.
Type
Hollowware/Salt Shaker
Maker
Alvin Manufacturing Co. (Alvin Silver Company), founded in 1886 by William H. Jamouneau in New Jersey, later acquired by Gorham. Noted for high-quality Art Nouveau silver overlay.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) overlay on a colorless glass body. Likely non-weighted base. Metal content refers to the decorative cage and cap.
Dimensions
Approximately 2.5 to 3 inches in height. Diameter at base is roughly 1.5 inches. Weight is predominantly the glass liner, with the silver comprising only a few grams.
Description
An elegant example of American Art Nouveau functional art, this salt shaker features a delicate sterling silver cage of roses and vines enveloping a clear glass vessel. The contrast between the polished silver and the transparent glass highlights the exquisite piercing work, making it a classic dining accessory of the Edwardian era.
Key Features
Signature Alvin rose motif, tapered conical form, intact silver overlay without 'peeling' at the edges, and the original matching dome cap.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) overlay on a colorless glass body. Likely non-weighted base. Metal content refers to the decorative cage and cap.
Finish & Decoration
Bright finish with oxidized recessed areas for depth. Features Art Nouveau floral decoration including a central rose blossom, leafy stems, and a pierced/openwork cage. Cap has a simple dome with small circular perforations.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically marked on the bottom edge or base of the silver wrap with the Alvin hallmark (an 'A' with a bird/eagle and a crest), 'STERLING', and a pattern number (often 3 or 4 digits).
Construction Details
Silver overlay/deposit technique: a mechanical or electrochemical process where a thick layer of fine silver is adhered to the glass and سپس engraved or chased. The cap is die-struck.
Functional Features
Removable friction-fit or threaded silver cap for refilling. Pierced top for dispensing salt. Glass interior provides chemical resistance against salt corrosion (which pips silver).
Handle & Grip Details
No handle. The tapered conical shape serves as the primary grip; the silver cage provides a tactile non-slip surface.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality execution of the silver deposit process. The piercing is clean and the detail on the rose blossom shows excellent die-work or manual chasing for the period.
Authentication Indicators
Mark placement on the lower silver rim is consistent with Alvin's production. The 'rose' style is a known motif utilized by Alvin and their competitor, La Pierre.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Providence, Rhode Island or Sag Harbor, New York (Alvin's primary factory locations).
Era & Period
Art Nouveau (circa 1890-1915). Characterized by organic floral forms and the use of the 'silver overlay on glass' technique which peaked in popularity during this time.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1915 based on the stylized rose design and the popularity of Alvin silver overlay during this window.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gilded Age' dining etiquette where individual or small sets of table appointments were a requirement for proper social status and refined hosting.
Condition Notes
Good; shows significant tarnish/patina that would benefit from polishing. Cap shows minor dings. Silver overlay appears intact without lifting. Glass liner shows no visible cracks or clouding (sickness).
Value Estimate
$45.00 - $85.00 for a single shaker. A matched pair in excellent condition can fetch $125 - $175 in a specialized antique setting.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Polish silver carefully with a silver cloth or Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid submersing in 'dip' cleaners which can seep behind the silver and damage the glass-to-metal bond.
Similar Pieces
La Pierre Manufacturing Co. overlay (often thinner), Gorham silver overlay (often more ornate/scrolled), and contemporary silver-plated reproductions (lacking 'Sterling' marks).
Interesting Facts
Silver overlay was often marketed as a high-end luxury item that combined the beauty of silver with the practicality of glass, as salt causes 'pitting' (corrosion) on pure silver surfaces.