Saltcellar
MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1760-1780
MediumRaised and cast silver
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter): 1 1/4 x 2 1/2in. (3.2 x 6.4cm)
ClassificationsMetalware
Credit LineDonated by the family of Esther Chase Wood (1894-1994)
Object number2004.25.2
DescriptionSilver saltcellar with a short, vertical rim, curved sides, and a curved bottom. The saltcellar is supported by three legs, each with a rounded knee and a hoof-shaped foot. The rim is decorated with evenly spaced incised lines, giving the upper edge of the rim a slight scallop. The body of the saltcellar is raised; there is a centerpunch on the underside. The feet are cast and soldered to the underside of the saltcellar. The underside of the saltcellar has engraved initials that have been removed. Below this is engraved, "L/ R*S". The "L" has a small number "4" to the upper left. The "S" is engraved over another letter, possibly an "R" or an "N". This engraving has been re-cut over a third, earlier set of initials.
One leg is very loose and has been coated with a substance that gives it a brassy surface. Each leg has dented the body, and in two cases, the body of the saltcellar has split around the top of the leg. The saltcellar is tarnished. The body is dented and scratched.
Centerpunch: A centerpunch is a small, recessed point made as the first step of a technique called raising, used to make silver hollowware. The silversmith marks the center of a silver disc with a punch, or centerpunch. Working out from that center point, the silversmith beats the silver disc with a hammer to form the shape of the finished object.
One leg is very loose and has been coated with a substance that gives it a brassy surface. Each leg has dented the body, and in two cases, the body of the saltcellar has split around the top of the leg. The saltcellar is tarnished. The body is dented and scratched.
Centerpunch: A centerpunch is a small, recessed point made as the first step of a technique called raising, used to make silver hollowware. The silversmith marks the center of a silver disc with a punch, or centerpunch. Working out from that center point, the silversmith beats the silver disc with a hammer to form the shape of the finished object.
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