What is the history behind shell-shaped Georgian silver salts?

Shell motifs gained immense popularity during the Rococo era in the mid-eighteenth century and saw a major revival in the late Georgian and Regency periods. Scallop shells were favoured for small table condiments because the natural fluted form was ideal for holding loose salt or butter.

What materials were used to craft antique silver salt cellars?

These pieces were crafted from sterling silver, which was stamped with official assay marks to confirm metal purity. The interiors of salt cellars were frequently finished with a thin layer of gold leaf, known as silver-gilt or vermeil, to protect the silver metalwork from the corrosive effects of salt.

How can you identify authentic Georgian sterling silver salt cellars?

Authentic British pieces bear a complete set of hallmarks, including the lion passant mark for sterling silver, a town mark such as the leopards head for London, a makers mark, a monarchs profile duty mark, and a specific date letter. The casting quality, weight, and detailed chasing on the exterior feet or rims also signal genuine period craftsmanship.

How should antique silver salt cellars be styled in a modern dining space?

Small silver open salts make elegant additions to a formal table setting when paired with small silver salt spoons. They can also be displayed on a sideboard tray alongside modern glass or ceramic tableware to create a subtle contrast of historical and contemporary textures.

How do you clean and preserve antique silver-gilt condiments?

Salt should always be removed immediately after use, as sodium chloride causes pitting on silver surfaces. Clean gently with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth, avoiding harsh abrasives on the gilt interior to preserve the original gold layer.

for sale €878 $953

£750

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Antique Georgian Solid Silver Scallop Shell Salts/butter Dishes Rococo Design - Edward Farrell 1830

Name: Antique Georgian Solid Silver Scallop Shell Salts/butter Dishes Rococo Design - Edward Farrell 1830
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1157755
Price: 750 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this stunning pair of antique Georgian Rococo style solid silver shell salt/butter made in London 1830 with marks for Edwards Farrell.

Delightfully sculpted in scallop shell form with three supporting cast scrolled feet, these shell dishes wonderfully capture the essence of Rococo in silverware.

The overall three-dimensional form and shape are sensationally crafted with beautiful curves and captivating features no matter the angle.

True to Rococo philosophy & design, these shells feature a fluid and ornate design with scalloped edges and scrolled/flaired terminals as if to invite the viewer to take a look at it from all sides.

Such dishes would predominantly have been used as salt/butter dishes on a dining table, however, we believe that such versatile and elegant pieces of silverware have equally, if not more, practical uses in the modern day.

For instance, complementing the nautical theme, one may wish to use them to serve seafood hors d'oeuvres such as prawn cocktail or even some oysters/scallops in an opulent and artistic manner.

Furthermore, due to its bowl-like shape, it could also hold confectionery, serve a scoop of sorbet or, deviating from culinary uses, be used as a jewellery tray or a most opulent ashtray for tobacciana aficionados.

Whilst impressive in its own right, this set would most certainly further elevate the ambience of an interior setting with further antique wares or perhaps, act as a unique contrasting piece of interiorware in a more contemporary setting.

A full set of English hallmarks are present on the bottom of the dish, one of them is very worn and only some can be made out.

*Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the item mentioned in the title.

Size

Size (cm) L:8.5cm W:8.5cm

Size (inches) L:3.34 W:3.34

Weight: 179 grams (5.75 Troy oz) total.

Condition

Good Condition - The shells are all in good antique condition with no major issues or damage - some slight wear and surface scratching as expected with antiques of this age and some very minor bruising as shown in photographs.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

- Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated these Silver Scallop Shell Salts to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1157755

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this stunning pair of antique Georgian Rococo style solid silver shell salt/butter made in London 1830 with marks for Edwards Farrell.

“

Delightfully sculpted in scallop shell form with three supporting cast scrolled feet, these shell dishes wonderfully capture the essence of Rococo in silverware.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. A pair of Georgian sterling silver salt cellars shaped like fluted scallop shells with gilt interiors. — fig 1. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Scallop Shell Salts/butter Dishes Rococo Design - Edward Farrell 1830

The overall three-dimensional form and shape are sensationally crafted with beautiful curves and captivating features no matter the angle.

True to Rococo philosophy & design, these shells feature a fluid and ornate design with scalloped edges and scrolled/flaired terminals as if to invite the viewer to take a look at it from all sides.

fig 2. A pair of Georgian sterling silver salt cellars shaped like fluted scallop shells with gilt interiors. — fig 2. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Scallop Shell Salts/butter Dishes Rococo Design - Edward Farrell 1830

Such dishes would predominantly have been used as salt/butter dishes on a dining table, however, we believe that such versatile and elegant pieces of silverware have equally, if not more, practical uses in the modern day.

fig 3. A pair of Georgian sterling silver salt cellars shaped like fluted scallop shells with gilt interiors. — fig 3. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Scallop Shell Salts/butter Dishes Rococo Design - Edward Farrell 1830

For instance, complementing the nautical theme, one may wish to use them to serve seafood hors d'oeuvres such as prawn cocktail or even some oysters/scallops in an opulent and artistic manner.

Furthermore, due to its bowl-like shape, it could also hold confectionery, serve a scoop of sorbet or, deviating from culinary uses, be used as a jewellery tray or a most opulent ashtray for tobacciana aficionados.

fig 4. A pair of Georgian sterling silver salt cellars shaped like fluted scallop shells with gilt interiors. — fig 4. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Scallop Shell Salts/butter Dishes Rococo Design - Edward Farrell 1830

Whilst impressive in its own right, this set would most certainly further elevate the ambience of an interior setting with further antique wares or perhaps, act as a unique contrasting piece of interiorware in a more contemporary setting.

fig 5. A pair of Georgian sterling silver salt cellars shaped like fluted scallop shells with gilt interiors. — fig 5. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Scallop Shell Salts/butter Dishes Rococo Design - Edward Farrell 1830

A full set of English hallmarks are present on the bottom of the dish, one of them is very worn and only some can be made out.

Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the item mentioned in the title.

fig 6. A pair of Georgian sterling silver salt cellars shaped like fluted scallop shells with gilt interiors. — fig 6. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Scallop Shell Salts/butter Dishes Rococo Design - Edward Farrell 1830

Size

Size (cm) L:8.5cm W:8.5cm

Size (inches) L:3.34 W:3.34

Weight: 179 grams (5.75 Troy oz) total.

Condition

Good Condition - The shells are all in good antique condition with no major issues or damage - some slight wear and surface scratching as expected with antiques of this age and some very minor bruising as shown in photographs.

fig 7. A pair of Georgian sterling silver salt cellars shaped like fluted scallop shells with gilt interiors. — fig 7. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Scallop Shell Salts/butter Dishes Rococo Design - Edward Farrell 1830

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

fig 8. A pair of Georgian sterling silver salt cellars shaped like fluted scallop shells with gilt interiors. — fig 8. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Scallop Shell Salts/butter Dishes Rococo Design - Edward Farrell 1830

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.