Art Deco Condiment Set
An art deco condiment set brings geometric brilliance and polished utility to the table, uniting period silver and glass with striking modernist lines.
Art Deco Condiment Set
An art deco condiment set typically comprises matching vessels for salt, pepper, and mustard, often accompanied by original glass liners and bespoke spoons. The pieces found here date predominantly from the interwar decades, spanning the nineteen twenties and nineteen thirties with occasional examples reaching into the nineteen forties.
Cruet sets and salt cellars dominate the selection, alongside specialised pieces such as oil and vinegar bottles, preserve dishes, and sugar and creamer sets. Origins range across English workshops in Birmingham and London, as well as Scandinavian and French makers.
Assessing the work
Superior examples distinguish themselves through heavier gauge silver, complete matching components, and undamaged original glass liners. The integration of maker marks and crisp hallmarks adds certainty to the provenance of the metalwork.
Design ambition separates standard production items from exceptional pieces, with unusual forms such as pagoda mustard pots or intricate enamel detailing commanding greater attention. The clarity of hand-cut crystal and the preservation of fitted presentation cases further elevate the standing of a set.
One exceptional nineteen twenties mustard pot adopts an unusual pagoda design complete with a matching spoon.
William Neale·Mappin & Webb·Wilmot Manufacturing Co·Elkington And Company·Henry Clifford Davis
The Art Deco Condiment Set Glossary
- Cruet set
- A collection of small bottles or jars for holding condiments at the dining table, usually fitted into a metal frame or stand.
- Salt cellar
- An open vessel used to hold salt before the invention of the shaker, frequently lined with cobalt or blue glass.
- Sterling silver
- An alloy consisting of pure silver and other metals, typically copper, standardised by weight for durability and quality.
- Silver plate
- A base metal coated with a thin layer of pure silver, offering the appearance of solid silver at a different scale of production.
- Hallmark
- An official stamp applied by an assay office to indicate the purity of metal and the year of manufacture.
Art Deco Condiment Set: Frequently Asked Questions
What pieces belong in a complete art deco condiment set?
A complete set generally includes receptacles for salt, pepper, and mustard, occasionally accompanied by matching spoons and a dedicated tray or frame.
Many arrangements also incorporate glass liners designed to protect the metal from corrosive contents.
How do I care for silver and glass cruet sets?
Wash silver components gently in warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth to preserve the finish.
Remove glass liners before cleaning to prevent moisture from becoming trapped between the glass and the metal frame.
Are blue glass liners original to these sets?
Cobalt and blue glass liners were commonly produced alongside silver frames during the interwar period to provide a striking visual contrast.
Replacement liners do exist, so checking the fit and glass quality helps determine originality.
How do I identify the date of a silver cruet set?
English silver items carry hallmarks that include a date letter indicating the exact year the piece was assayed and registered.
Additional maker marks and style indicators help narrow down the period when formal hallmarks are absent.