Elkington & Co. (22 Regent St., London, and at Birmingham)
South Kensington Museum, Science & Art Department
after German (16th Century)
‘Renaissance’ Salt Cellars, x4
gilt, cast, electroplate silver
(salt) 3 5/8” wide x 7/8” high; 300 grams (x4)
(spoon) 3 1/8” long; 30.5 grams (x4)
Catalogue Notes: These salt cellars were produced for the Convention for Promoting Reproduction of Works of Art signed at Marlborough House during the Paris Exhibition, March 12, 1868, by “various Princes of the reigning families of Europe, whereby they agreed mutually to assist the museums of Europe in procuring casts and copies of national objects for the promotion of art.” Identical examples can be found Illustrated in the 1873 catalogue printed for the her Majesty’s Stationery Office, South Kensington Museum.
“The original of silver gilt; triangular, chased with birds and cartouche ornaments, on three ball feet. German, about 1580. No. 2128. –’55.
“Another of these German salt-cellars is here represented, somewhat more ornate than its congeners, the surface being decorated with birds, tablets, and other Renaissance subject in low but powerful relief. The triangle is here superimposed upon a trefoil.
“Height, 1” | Price, gilt, 1l. 5s. ea.
“Width, 3 ¾” | Made by Messrs. Franchi & Son (No. ’65. 68.)
While the 1873 catalogue states these were made by Franchi, and indeed an example can be found in the MET (73.8.56), these were also made by Elkington. The official catalogue confirms this and they bare the official stamp in metal given by the Science and Art Department for Messrs. Elkington and Co., 22 Regent Street, London, and at Birmingham. As included in the official document, pp. vi. Salt cellars from Germany, in a similar fashion, are listed as made by Elkington and examples can be sourced from various auction houses (ie. Christies, 2004) of a comparable boxed set of 4 with spoons.
Condition: Antique, Excellent
For Accuracy: Antique salt cellars they may show expected light signs of age or insignificant wear. The original box is present however it is some worse for ware, this is a bonus as they typically aren’t found. See Photographs.
