Pass the Salt ? Its a Hot Collectible

Part of the attraction of any collectible is the story that surrounds it, and salt-cellars have a tale to tell. Here's what you need to know about this condiment collectible.

The Salt

Salt-cellars, sometimes called "the salt," open salts or salt dips, have been around for centuries. They are the dishes from which salt was served with tiny spoons or the end of a knife blade. In informal situations, you could pinch the salt from the dishes.

Early salt was coarse and caked in humid weather. It had to be kept in open dishes so that the coarse salt could be broken up before serving.

Materials

Salt-cellars were made of many materials including wood, glass, pottery, pewter, crystal, sterling and Faberge. They ranged in style from unadorned, simple-shaped glass to chic decorative sterling silver.

History

In the Middle Ages, where you were seated in relation to the placement of the salt on the table signified your social stature. The desirable seating position was "above the salt," a term that is still sometimes used. Wealthy Romans' liberal use of salt, a precious commodity at that time, broadcast their social status.

One of the most famous salt-cellars is depicted in Leonardo da Vinci's painting "The Last Supper." It shows an upturned salt-cellar in front of Judas, which signifies bad luck or bad faith.

Salt-cellars became archaic in the early 19th century when new glass technology developed. Glass salt shakers were born and salt-cellars were obsolete.

Desirable Collectible

Salt-cellars are attractive collectibles. They are unique and decorative. You can have an assortment yet they do not take up too much space. Plus, they are not too expensive so you can develop a collection without breaking the bank, ranging in price from a few dollars to pricier crystal or sterling silver.

Antique shops, flea markets, garage sales and E-bay are all good sources for salt-cellars.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium, an antique shop located in Toronto, Canada. He does furniture restoration, caning and rushing repairs, custom reproductions, upholstery, teaches courses on antiques and does appraisals for estates and community events. He can be reached at 416-785-4555 or by visiting http://www.takeaboo.com

---

Summer Every Season

Ahhh, the sumptuous days of summer. Clear skies, green lawns,... Read More

Bean Bag Chairs ? Choosing the Right One

Decorating can be a big challenge in today's world. There... Read More

A Guide to Closet Organizers

Along with losing weight and quitting smoking, getting organized is... Read More

Easy Dining Room Makeover

A dining room can be such a fantastic place to... Read More

Can Bamboo Flooring Really Help Save The Worlds? Environment?

Probably not on its own, but its an excellent example... Read More

Measuring Space - How Much Room Do You Really Need?

When planning your home décor, it is vitally important to... Read More

Decorate Your Home with Shabby Chic

Are you ready to redecorate but have a limited budget?... Read More

The Allure of Exotic Hardwood Floors

Exotic hardwood floors are made up of solid exotic wood... Read More

Where to Buy Wholesale Picnic Baskets

Perhaps you are a vendor who would like to begin... Read More

Decorating Your Kitchen With Antique Plates

Antique plates can add whimsy and interest to your décor.... Read More

The Advantages of Wooden Wine Racks

Wood wine racks provide the best storage system for a... Read More

Fireplace Candelabras - The Easy Alternative To Burning Wood

It wasn't that long ago that the fireplace was the... Read More

Pot Racks - Make a Statement In Your Kitchen

One of the most beautiful, versatile and efficient accessories that... Read More

Posters as a Decorating Style

When I think of decorating a room with posters, I... Read More

Contemporary Rugs Can Transform a Room

When tackling a do-it-yourself home decorating project, you can use... Read More

Bedrooms ? Should Be A Safe Haven

We spend a great deal of time in our bedrooms,... Read More

Using Psychology of Color to Influence the Mood of a Room

The living room is the setting which will blend the... Read More

Finding Cheap Hardwood Floors

A wide range of hardwood floorings are available in the... Read More

Lamp Shades Decorate a Room

When redecorating a room, don't forget about your lighting. While... Read More

Choosing Candles & Scents Part 1 - Candles for July

Deciding on just a few candles is rarely easy. With... Read More

The Ultimate Strategy for Decorating a Childs Room!

When it comes to decorating a child's room, your approach... Read More

Gourmet Fruit Gift Baskets

Gourmet fruit baskets quickly emerged as a way to deliver... Read More

Feng Shui Interprets Exposed Beams

What constitutes a balanced room according to feng shui theory... Read More

Live in (French Country) Style

Parlez-vous Françes? Don't worry - you don't need to speak... Read More

Turning Your Childs Room into a Mysterious Jungle

(When designing a child's room, you want to create an... Read More

Shabby Chic Bedding Can Add An Elegant Vintage Touch to Your Room!

Shabby Chic bedding is definitely the answer if you are... Read More

A Guide to Bathroom Remodeling

There is a reason why many Hollywood actors keep their... Read More

Discount Granite Countertops

The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal... Read More

Decorating Frugally

The trend these days is to discover extremely innovative ways... Read More

The Benefits of Dried Fruit Baskets

Usually combined with varieties of nuts, dried fruit baskets have... Read More

Re-Using Old Picture Frames

It's fun taking something apart and putting it back together... Read More

Take The Clothes Off Your Rooms and Let Them Breathe

Its summertime and the livin' is easy or at least... Read More

Where to Find a Cheap Adjustable Bed

Adjustable beds are no doubt very expensive. But the benefits... Read More