What Is A Salt Cellar?
“What’s It Worth” Antiques Minute
By Mike Ivankovich - December 25, 2020
As early as Classical Roman Times, salt was considered a dining luxury and available in only wealthier homes. Salt was purchased in smaller quantities and placed in tabletop vessels called salt cellars, salt dishes, or simply salts. Salt cellars came in many forms, shapes, sizes and materials. Usually, they were open salts, but some were lidded salts. Some salt cellars were footed. They were made from materials such as glass, porcelain, clay, pewter or silver and came in varying colors, shapes and sizes, ranging from plain to whimsical. Some dining tables used a larger master salt, which was passed around the table from diner to diner. Others were smaller individual salts, with a smaller salt cellar placed beside each dining service. Salt cellars were commonly used throughout the Victorian era and even into the early 20th century, when they were replaced by the salt shakers used today. Whats it worth? A recent review of eBay showed approximately 5,000-plus salt cellars and salt dishes. Although a very few rarities were selling in the $500-plus range, the vast majority selling were in the $5-$10 range, if they sold at all. If you like salts, today is a great time to start a collection because the older generation (my generation) is selling, and few in the younger generation even know what a salt cellar is, let alone want a collection of them. Mike Ivankovich is an auctioneer, appraiser, home downsizing expert, and host of the Whats It Worth? Ask Mike the Appraiser radio show that airs live in the Philadelphia area on Friday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EST on WBCB 1490 AM and on the Internet at www.WBCB1490.com. You can also visit his radio show website at www.AskMikeTheAppraiser.com.
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