Sterling Silver | Scallop Shell Salt Cellar | Whelk-Type Shell & Three Dolphin Feet | Late 19th–Early 20th Century

Sterling Silver | Scallop Shell Salt Cellar | Whelk-Type Shell & Three Dolphin Feet | Late 19th–Early 20th Century

A scallop for the salt, a whelk-type shell at its back, and three dolphins to carry them both.

Shell-shaped salt cellars were a favourite of English silversmiths, and the scallop on dolphin feet is one of the best-known versions. Marked examples survive from London and Birmingham makers through much of the 19th century, among them Hilliard & Thomason and Robert Hennell, and the design stayed in production into the 20th century. The hallmarks on this piece are rubbed, so its maker and exact date can’t be confirmed.

The bowl is a scallop shell, with deep radiating ribs and a scalloped rim. A ribbed, spiral whelk-type shell lies across the back, its coils cast in relief. Three cast dolphins support the bowl: their rounded heads form the feet, with large eyes and open mouths, and their scaled bodies curve up to meet the underside of the shell. The underside follows the ribbing of the bowl.

Very good condition, with a bright finish. There are no splits, repairs or dents, and all three dolphin feet are intact and firm.

Key Details

• Maker: unidentified
• Marks: hallmarked; marks rubbed and illegible
• Material: sterling silver
• Form: scallop shell open salt cellar with a whelk-type shell at the back, on three dolphin feet
• Date: late 19th–early 20th century (attributed)
• Dimensions: diameter 5.6 cm; height 3 cm
• Weight: 20 g
• Condition: very good; no splits, repairs or dents; dolphin feet intact
• Buyer profile: collectors of English silver salts and small table silver, and anyone drawn to marine motifs

Collector Appeal

The scallop, the spiral shell and the dolphins bring the seashore into a piece that sits in the palm of a hand. The dolphins are crisply cast, and their scales and eyes are still clearly defined. The salt can be used at the dinner table with a small spoon, or shown among a collection of open salts.

Salt was once precious enough to be given its own silver; here the sea that made it has come along too.