A Rare Pair of Victorian Novelty Silver ''Baby'' Salt and Pepper Shakers, Thomas Johnson, London, 1886
Realistically modelled as two seated babies, one crying and one laughing, the bases hinging open. Engraved on the undersides for the retailer Jones of St James'' St., London and Boulevard des Capucines, Paris.
Height 8.5cm
Total Weight 291 grams
The subject of laughing and crying babies has been a popular one for artists since the 18th century. The theme can be seen in pair of bronze busts by the French sculptor Louis Franēois Roubiliac (1702-1762) in the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the 1871 International Exhibition in London featured a further pair of babies by Adolphe Itasse (1829-1893). In silver, the earliest examples may be a pair of condiment shakers hallmarked for London, 1880, with the maker''s mark of Robert Hennell & Sons.
Thomas Jones started up as a perfumer in London in 1850. The company expanded quickly, opening a store in Paris in 1856 and branching out into other lines such as travelling bags, dressing cases, brushes, stationery and jewellery.
Antique Number: SA1120214
Dateline of this antique is Victorian
Height is 8.5cm (3.3inches)
Width is 0cm (0.0inches)
Depth is 0cm (0.0inches)
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