How were open salts used at the table?

Diners used open salts by taking a small pinch of salt from the vessel using a tiny salt spoon or the tip of a clean knife, then dusting it onto the plate. These small bowls sat directly on the dining table for individual use. Before the invention of the shaker, the open salt was the standard method for seasoning food during meals. Wealthy households often provided one salt cellar between every two guests.

Why do many silver salts have glass liners?

Glass liners were introduced to protect the metal from the corrosive nature of salt, which tends to pit and tarnish silver over long periods of contact. Cobalt blue and cranberry glass liners also introduced a strong splash of colour. When inspecting these pieces, collectors value the survival of the original matching glass insert, as replacements alter the complete historical set.

How can I tell a Georgian salt from a Victorian one?

Georgian salts, particularly those from the 18th century, tend to feature heavier gauge silver, simpler geometric forms like the trencher style, and minimal ornamentation. Maker marks and assay office stamps from this era provide precise dating clues. Victorian pieces often display much heavier ornamentation, including naturalistic floral chasing, figural animal supports, pierced gallery work, and complete fitted presentation boxes.

Can I still use antique open salts today?

Many people continue to use antique open salts for modern dining, dinner parties, or as small dishes for jewellery and trinkets. Their small scale suits contemporary table settings well. Care is required to empty and clean silver and glass vessels immediately after use to prevent salt from damaging historical metal surfaces or fragile glass liners.

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Antique Open Salts

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These antique open salts bring small scale craftsmanship and historical detail to the dining table.

19th century

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A Pair of Mason’s Ironstone China Salts

From Clive Payne Antiques

£480

FOR SALE

ceramics

19th century

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19th Century Georgian Pair of Cut Glass Salts with Draped Swag Design.

From Serpentine Antiques

£120

FOR SALE

glass

19th century

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Antique Solid Silver Boat Shaped Table Salts with the Original Blue Glass Liners

From Rebecca Sarah Antiques

£345

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Antique Victorian Pair of Silver Plated Eagle Salts 19th C

From Regent Antiques

£475

FOR SALE

silver

1900 - 1920

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Pair of Silver Salts

From Ballinderry Antiques

£225

FOR SALE

silver

18th century

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Set of Five Paul Storr Silver Salts.

From George James Antiques

£4,995

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Antique Silver Salt Cellars. Four Victorian Salt Dishes. Thomas Smily.

From Krave Antiques

£345

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Birmingham 1885 Victorian Solid Silver Pair of Six Lobed Salt Cellars with the Original Matching Spoons by Vale Brothers and Sermon.

From Serpentine Antiques

£195

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Pair of 19th Century Pollard Oak Capstan Salts

From Baggott & Co.

£365

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

18th century

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Georgian Silver Salts

From Jane Short Antiques

£395

FOR SALE

silver

The listings on this page span the 18th century through the Victorian era into the 20th century, combining sterling silver, cut glass, enamel, and treen woodwork.

19th century

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Pair Antique Silver Dishes.

From George James Antiques

£1,895

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Boxed Set Antique English Sterling Silver Open Salts & Spoons - 1881

From Puckerings

£595

FOR SALE

silver

1900 - 1920

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Set of 4 Antique Sterling Silver Salts & Spoons in Case 1909

From Robert Bush Antiques

£595

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Victorian Set of Silver Salt Bowls and Spoons London 1886

From Aramis Antiques

£450

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Pair of Antique Silver Salts.

From George James Antiques

£195

FOR SALE

silver

A Rare Pair of Victorian Cranberry Salts. Circa 1870

19th century

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A Rare Pair of Victorian Cranberry Salts. Circa 1870

From CJ Antiques

£125

FOR SALE

glass

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Antique Open Salts

A Pair of Mason’s Ironstone China Salts

19th Century Georgian Pair of Cut Glass Salts with Draped Swag Design.

Antique Solid Silver Boat Shaped Table Salts with the Original Blue Glass Liners

Antique Victorian Pair of Silver Plated Eagle Salts 19th C

Pair of Silver Salts

Set of Five Paul Storr Silver Salts.

Antique Silver Salt Cellars. Four Victorian Salt Dishes. Thomas Smily.

Birmingham 1885 Victorian Solid Silver Pair of Six Lobed Salt Cellars with the Original Matching Spoons by Vale Brothers and Sermon.

Pair of 19th Century Pollard Oak Capstan Salts

Georgian Silver Salts

Pair Antique Silver Dishes.

Boxed Set Antique English Sterling Silver Open Salts & Spoons - 1881

Set of 4 Antique Sterling Silver Salts & Spoons in Case 1909

Victorian Set of Silver Salt Bowls and Spoons London 1886

Pair of Antique Silver Salts.

A Rare Pair of Victorian Cranberry Salts. Circa 1870

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