Antique Silver Pepperette
These antique silver pepperettes are small dining table shakers designed to dispense seasoning, bringing charm and period character to any table setting.
Antique Silver Pepperette
When you search for an antique silver pepperette, you are looking at small tabletop containers designed for holding and shaking ground pepper over food. The pieces on this page span several distinct eras, stretching from the Georgian period through the Victorian and Edwardian years up to the early twentieth century.
You will encounter everything from plain baluster casters to whimsical novelty shapes. The forms include birds, animals, and grotesque figures alongside classic cylindrical and panelled shakers.
Most examples are constructed from sterling silver, though you will also find silver-plate, pewter, and combinations featuring glass and steel. They appear either individually or as matching pairs, and occasionally within larger condiment sets.
How they were made
Glass bodies were frequently combined with sterling silver mounts, screw-on caps, or internal steel grinding mechanisms in the case of pepper grinders. Pewter and base metals provided alternative mediums for utilitarian or novelty tablewares during the nineteenth century.
A cockatoo staring sternly from your dinner table provides an unexpectedly judgmental audience for your evening meal.
What varies in quality
Maker attribution and London or provincial hallmarks heavily influence the standing of a piece, with creations by noted silversmiths commanding greater attention. The structural integrity of the pierced top and the secure fit of the removable cap also mark the standard of craftsmanship.
Frederick Brasted·Simon Pantin·George Unite·Mappin & Webb
The Antique Silver Pepperette Glossary
- Pepperette
- A small tabletop shaker used for dispensing ground pepper onto food. They are often found in matched pairs or as part of larger condiment services.
- Novelty
- A piece shaped in a whimsical or figurative design, such as an animal, bird, or grotesque figure. These figural items were particularly popular during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
- Sterling silver
- An alloy containing a high proportion of pure silver combined with other metals to ensure durability. Most quality British tablewares from the Georgian period onward bear hallmarks confirming this standard.
Antique Silver Pepperette: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an antique silver pepperette?
An antique silver pepperette is a small vessel designed to hold and sprinkle ground pepper at the dining table. They range from simple cylindrical pots to ornate figural shapes.
These pieces were produced in various styles across the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian periods, utilising sterling silver, glass, and pewter.
How do I date a pepperette?
Dating relies heavily on hallmarks stamped onto the metal, which indicate the assay office, year of production, and the silversmith. Stylistic clues also help, as Georgian pieces tend to be classical and restrained.
Victorian and Edwardian items frequently embrace novelty designs such as owls, bears, and other animals.
How do I clean antique silver?
Cleaning requires a soft microfibre cloth and a gentle silver polish formulated specifically for antiques to protect the delicate hallmarks and fine details. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners that can wear away thin plating or soften cast textures.
Store the pieces in a dry environment to slow down natural tarnishing over time.