Robert Pringle & Sons EPNS Footed Salt Cellars, Pair with Spoon

A well-matched pair of electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) salt cellars by Robert Pringle & Sons, the Birmingham silversmithing firm active from the mid-nineteenth century through the twentieth. Each cellar is hand-raised with a softly rounded, squat body supported on three polished ball feet — a form with roots in early Georgian sterling that translated naturally into quality electroplate for the Victorian and Edwardian table. The circumferential band beneath the rim carries finely chased scrolling foliate ornament framed by beaded borders, crisp work that reflects Pringle's reputation for well-finished decorative silverware. The maker's mark RPL with the numeric 47 is struck to the underside of each cellar; the "47" likely indicates a pattern or model number within the firm's catalogue.

One cellar is accompanied by a small salt spoon with a chased and shaped handle in a complementary decorative style. Salt cellars of this open form — as opposed to the covered or mustard-pot type — were set in pairs at each place or along the table's length, a standard appointment in the well-dressed Victorian and Edwardian dining room. The interiors retain the warm, lightly gilded tone of aged silver plate that has seen real table use.

CONDITION

Good. Both cellars retain crisp chased detail to the borders with light surface tarnish and minor dings to the bodies consistent with age and use. The spoon shows darkening to the bowl and light wear to the chased handle. No remarkable damage to either cellar.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Each Cellar: 1 1/8" H × 2" Diameter
• Spoon: 2 1/2" L × 5/8" W × 3/16" D
• Maker's Mark: RPL 47 (Robert Pringle & Sons)
• Material: Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS)
• Lot includes: 2 salt cellars, 1 salt spoon
• U.S. Dime Shown for Scale — Not Included