Antique Salt Cellar Appraisal

Sterling Silver Salt Cellar with Spoon

The item is a small, likely individual, salt cellar with an accompanying miniature spoon. Both pieces appear to be crafted from sterling silver, as indicated by the visual cues and appended context, though tarnished significantly. The salt cellar is cylindrical or slightly bowl-shaped with a simple, unembellished exterior. Its surface exhibits a heavily oxidized, dark gray to black patina, characteristic of aged silver tarnish, particularly on the outer walls. The interior of the salt cellar, however, shows a contrasting golden or gilded finish, which is common in older silver salt cellars to prevent the corrosive effects of salt on silver and to add an aesthetic touch. This gilding also shows signs of wear and age, with some areas appearing dulled or slightly abraded. The accompanying spoon is miniature in size, designed to fit within the salt cellar. It also displays a heavy, uneven dark tarnish across its entire surface, obscuring any potential detailed patterns or inscriptions, though it appears to have a relatively plain handle and a small, shallow bowl. The craftsmanship seems solid and utilitarian rather than overtly decorative, suggesting it was built for functionality. There are no readily visible maker's marks, signatures, or specific patterns discernable from the provided image due to the tarnish, but the context 'Tiffany and company sterling' suggests a high-quality manufacturer. Given the style and material choice (sterling silver with a gilded interior), this set likely dates from the late 19th to early 20th century. The condition indicates significant use and a lack of recent polishing, with general surface wear visible beneath the tarnish. Despite the tarnish, the structural integrity appears to be sound, with no obvious dents or cracks.