What are georgian sterling silver condiments?

These pieces are small silver vessels and stands made to hold table seasonings like salt, pepper, mustard and sugar. They formed an essential part of dining service on British tables. The selection includes salt cellars, mustard pots with hinged lids, pepper casters, sauce boats and multi-bottle cruet frames. Many incorporate coloured glass inserts or pierced silver frames.

How do you use antique salt cellars?

Open salt cellars sit directly on the dining table to hold loose salt, often accompanied by a small spoon for serving. Modern collectors utilise them for pinches of salt, small appetisers or desk tidies. Peculiar forms like cauldron salts or boat shapes rest steadily on small feet or flat bases, making them practical for holding small items today.

A cruet set is a framed stand that carries multiple condiment containers together for service at the table. Complete sets typically house glass bottles alongside pepper or sugar castors. Frames often feature central handle rings for carrying the assembly between guests. Surviving examples range from simple wirework frames to elaborate silver stands.

How do I identify a mustard pot?

A mustard pot is a small covered jar featuring a hinged lid, a handle and often a cut-out notch in the rim for a spoon. Many early examples contain original blue glass liners visible through pierced silver walls. Styles vary from plain cylindrical drum pots to boat shapes and revival pieces decorated with rococo or neoclassical motifs.