{"product_id":"silver-open-salt-deakin-francis-birmingham-1938","title":"Deakin \u0026 Francis | Sterling Silver Open Salt | Birmingham | 1938","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeakin \u0026amp; Francis | Sterling Silver Open Salt | Birmingham | 1938\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSalt once had its own place at the table, and its own small silver vessel to hold it.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith a business history tracing back to 1786, Deakin \u0026amp; Francis became an established name in Birmingham silver. In the interwar years the firm made a steady line of table silver, including cruet pieces like this one. This salt is believed to have formed part of a cruet set with a matching mustard pot and a second salt, both also in stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe salt has a plain drum body with a flared rim, a reeded band at the lower body and a spreading reeded foot, the same form as the mustard pot. A turned wooden liner sits within the silver body, separating its contents from the metal. The underside is fully hallmarked for Deakin \u0026amp; Francis, Birmingham.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood condition, with minor damage to the foot rim and a few small salt stains to the interior base. No pitting is present. The wooden liner is as acquired; whether it is original is not known.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaker: Deakin \u0026amp; Francis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHallmarks: Birmingham, date letter O; attributed to 1938–39\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForm: open salt with flared rim, reeded band and spreading foot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: sterling silver, with turned wooden liner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: diameter 5.5 cm; height 3.6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: silver 35 g; liner 17 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition: good; minor damage to the foot rim; small salt stains inside, no pitting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompanion pieces: a matching Deakin \u0026amp; Francis mustard pot and a second open salt, believed to have formed part of the same cruet set, are available separately\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuyer profile: collectors of English condiment silver, or anyone reassembling a 1930s cruet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollector Appeal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOpen salts were often made in pairs or as part of larger cruet services, making the survival of associated pieces particularly appealing. This example bears clear Deakin \u0026amp; Francis marks and retains the restrained reeded form of its companion mustard pot. It may be collected individually or reunited with the other pieces offered separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSalt once marked who sat above and who sat below; by the time this cup was made, it had a place beside everyone.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Dancing Faun Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40572494315720,"sku":"","price":1995.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/3497\/2104\/files\/2021-07-15_11.23.07.png?v=1775917443","url":"https:\/\/dancingfaun.co.za\/products\/silver-open-salt-deakin-francis-birmingham-1938","provider":"The Dancing Faun Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}