Miniature Salt Cellars Appraisal

Silver-Plated Miniature Cup or Salt Cellar

The item is a small, ornate vessel, likely a miniature cup or a salt cellar, crafted from a silver-plated base metal, as indicated by the tarnished and somewhat worn appearance. Its overall coloration is a dark, oxidized silver with hints of the underlying metallic luster showing through. The construction features a rounded, shallow bowl-like interior, indicating it was designed to hold a small quantity of something. The exterior boasts an intricate, possibly floral or foliate, relief pattern circling the upper rim, suggesting a decorative purpose. A single, small handle is visible on one side, adding to its cup-like form. The most distinguishing elements are the markings on the underside of the base. These include the number '862' and additional characters that appear to be '29B' and what might be a manufacturer's hallmark or symbol, resembling 'ERG' within a shield or cartouche shape. These marks suggest either a pattern number, an inventory number, or a partial maker's mark. The piece exhibits significant wear, particularly in the form of heavy tarnish and some apparent loss of the silver plating, revealing a yellowish or brassy tone in areas, a common condition issue for older silver-plated items that have not been regularly polished or have seen extensive use. The craftsmanship appears to be machine-made or mass-produced, typical of items from the late 19th to mid-20th century, though without clearer hallmarks, pinpointing the exact age is difficult. The decorative relief shows a decent level of detail, but the overall patina indicates age and handling. This item's small scale and decorative nature suggest it was intended for table use, perhaps as part of a larger condiment set or a decorative miniature.