Pair of American Tiffany and Company Silver Salt Cellars

• New York, circa 1860 by Tiffany and Company
• Dimensions: 1 1/2 inches tall, 2 1/8 inches wide

Salt Cellars have been in existence for thousands of years. Salt was seen as a sign of purity, and was extremely valuable as it was used for preserving and flavoring food as well as many other uses. Ironically, it is the derivation of the word ‘salary’ as Roman soldiers were often paid with salt.

A handsome pair of American Tiffany and Company Silver Open Salt Cellars. They are quite elegant in design having a beaded edge at the top and a thread edge border at the base. The Open Salts have a crest that enhances the pieces as well as having blue cobalt liners. Please note that the cobalt liners are not able to be removed from the open salts.

The hallmarks that are located underneath the base is of a “M” (Old English). This early mark (1854-1870) represented Edward C. Moore, who was the head of Tiffany’s silver operations until 1891. The American Tiffany and Company Silver Open Salt Cellars also have the marks located underneath the base of the order number and the pre-1860 pattern number 544.

This pair of American Tiffany and Company Silver Oval Salt Cellars are some of the earliest pieces made by Tiffany and Company. They are quite graceful and would be a welcome addition to any home.

To learn more about Tiffany and Company, please refer back to Great Silversmiths under the Antique Silver section.