What is the historical significance of naturalistic silver salt cellars?

During the late Georgian and early William IV periods, silversmiths increasingly incorporated naturalistic motifs, such as botanical forms, leaves, and flowers, into dining tableware. Salt cellars were central to formal dining displays, serving as functional table accessories while reflecting the craftsmanship and stylistic preferences of the 1830s.

What materials and techniques were used to create antique silver salt cellars?

Antique salt cellars from this period were crafted from sterling silver (925 purity), often utilising lost-wax casting, chasing, and hand-repousse techniques to achieve realistic organic forms. The interiors were frequently gilded with a layer of gold (vermeil) to protect the silver from reacting with salt, which causes corrosion.

How do you identify authentic 1830s English silver salt cellars?

Authentic English sterling silver pieces feature a set of British hallmarks, including the sovereigns head duty mark, the lion passant indicating sterling purity, an town mark such as the leopards head for London, a date letter, and a registered makers mark.

How can antique silver salt cellars be styled in a modern interior?

These decorative objects can be placed at the centre of a formal dining table, positioned on a sideboard, or used as trinket dishes on a dressing table or desk to introduce historical metalwork into modern spaces.

How should sterling silver salt cellars with gilt interiors be maintained?

Clean silver components with a soft, non-abrasive silver cloth and mild soapy water, avoiding harsh chemical polishes on the gilded interiors. Ensure pieces are dried thoroughly after washing and store them in tarnish-inhibiting cloth bags when not on display.

for sale €1,463 $1,588

£1,250

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Antique Solid Silver Salt Cellars Naturalistic Flower Design - William Bateman 1832

Name: Antique Solid Silver Salt Cellars Naturalistic Flower Design - William Bateman 1832
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1194402
Price: 1250 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to have acquired and offer this magnificent pair of salt cellars made by William Bateman II in London, 1832.

The set presents a spectacular naturalistic design, drawing inspiration from nature's free-flowing, asymmetrical and enchanting beauty.

The bowls are ornate and crafted in the form of a flower (possibly morning glory) its base featuring a foliate stem and base. The top portion flares out beautifully with a silver gilt interior which not only provides a lovely contrast to the silver but also protects the silver from tarnishing with the content held within.

The foliate foot also presents a noteworthy array of silversmithing techniques and splendour. Each section has been meticulously stippled to create a matte texture and then hand chased for further depth.

Such splendour displays how much time and effort would have gone into creating each piece, and is suggestive of the status of its owner.

Owing to their versatile form and being a pair, these salts not only offer a wonderful aesthetic in an interior setting but could be used practically in the modern day with some creative uses.

Whether it be for plenty of salt/pepper at a dinner party or as a rotating sauce/condiment selection for the dinner table, we believe such pieces present a versatile offering in addition to their splendour. Some further creative ideas may include: single sorbet servings, caviar dish, jewellery storage and small confectionery servings.

The pair have also been hand-engraved with a crest and motto "Justitia".

Overall, an exemplary pair of artistic and naturalistic salts, perfect for elevating any interior dining setting or for discerning collectors wishing to add a distinguished set to their display.

A full set of English hallmarks is present on the side of each bowl.

*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:9.3cm H:5.5cm

Size (inches) L:3.66 H:2.16

Weight: 247 grams (7.95 Troy oz) total.

Condition

Great Condition - The salts are in great antique condition with no issues or damage. Some minor surface wear commensurate with age but the decoration remains very crisp.

We aim to overemphasise 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 Georgian Silver Salt Cellars to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1194402

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 have acquired and offer this magnificent pair of salt cellars made by William Bateman II in London, 1832.

“

The set presents a spectacular naturalistic design, drawing inspiration from nature's free-flowing, asymmetrical and enchanting beauty.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. A pair of William IV sterling silver salt cellars designed as open flower heads with gilded interiors resting on naturalistic leaf bases. — fig 1. Antique Solid Silver Salt Cellars Naturalistic Flower Design - William Bateman 1832

The bowls are ornate and crafted in the form of a flower (possibly morning glory) its base featuring a foliate stem and base. The top portion flares out beautifully with a silver gilt interior which not only provides a lovely contrast to the silver but also protects the silver from tarnishing with the content held within.

fig 2. A pair of William IV sterling silver salt cellars designed as open flower heads with gilded interiors resting on naturalistic leaf bases. — fig 2. Antique Solid Silver Salt Cellars Naturalistic Flower Design - William Bateman 1832

The foliate foot also presents a noteworthy array of silversmithing techniques and splendour. Each section has been meticulously stippled to create a matte texture and then hand chased for further depth.

fig 3. A pair of William IV sterling silver salt cellars designed as open flower heads with gilded interiors resting on naturalistic leaf bases. — fig 3. Antique Solid Silver Salt Cellars Naturalistic Flower Design - William Bateman 1832

Such splendour displays how much time and effort would have gone into creating each piece, and is suggestive of the status of its owner.

Owing to their versatile form and being a pair, these salts not only offer a wonderful aesthetic in an interior setting but could be used practically in the modern day with some creative uses.

fig 4. A pair of William IV sterling silver salt cellars designed as open flower heads with gilded interiors resting on naturalistic leaf bases. — fig 4. Antique Solid Silver Salt Cellars Naturalistic Flower Design - William Bateman 1832

Whether it be for plenty of salt/pepper at a dinner party or as a rotating sauce/condiment selection for the dinner table, we believe such pieces present a versatile offering in addition to their splendour. Some further creative ideas may include: single sorbet servings, caviar dish, jewellery storage and small confectionery servings.

fig 5. A pair of William IV sterling silver salt cellars designed as open flower heads with gilded interiors resting on naturalistic leaf bases. — fig 5. Antique Solid Silver Salt Cellars Naturalistic Flower Design - William Bateman 1832

The pair have also been hand-engraved with a crest and motto "Justitia".

Overall, an exemplary pair of artistic and naturalistic salts, perfect for elevating any interior dining setting or for discerning collectors wishing to add a distinguished set to their display.

fig 6. A pair of William IV sterling silver salt cellars designed as open flower heads with gilded interiors resting on naturalistic leaf bases. — fig 6. Antique Solid Silver Salt Cellars Naturalistic Flower Design - William Bateman 1832

A full set of English hallmarks is present on the side of each bowl.

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:9.3cm H:5.5cm

fig 7. A pair of William IV sterling silver salt cellars designed as open flower heads with gilded interiors resting on naturalistic leaf bases. — fig 7. Antique Solid Silver Salt Cellars Naturalistic Flower Design - William Bateman 1832

Size (inches) L:3.66 H:2.16

Weight: 247 grams (7.95 Troy oz) total.

Condition

Great Condition - The salts are in great antique condition with no issues or damage. Some minor surface wear commensurate with age but the decoration remains very crisp.

fig 8. A pair of William IV sterling silver salt cellars designed as open flower heads with gilded interiors resting on naturalistic leaf bases. — fig 8. Antique Solid Silver Salt Cellars Naturalistic Flower Design - William Bateman 1832

We aim to overemphasise 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 9. A pair of William IV sterling silver salt cellars designed as open flower heads with gilded interiors resting on naturalistic leaf bases. — fig 9. Antique Solid Silver Salt Cellars Naturalistic Flower Design - William Bateman 1832

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.