As in the above types the swelling foot is a feature, so with other examples, from 1789 to 1803, the foot disappears. The piece in date 1789, illustrated ([p. 171]), may be compared with similar circular forms made by the Staffordshire potters in lustreware for cottage use.

The washing-tub shaped salt cellar, in date 1803, indicates the decadence of design. The opening years of the nineteenth century show these poor forms in replacement of the early designs.

Specimens of the days of George IV and William IV (one in date 1820 and the other 1832) are illustrated ([p. 173]). Here is a reversion to older forms, the tureen shape with gadrooned edge and with four legs, and the circular form with three legs.

Of the circular form the classic rotund urn or vase shape seized the fancy of the silversmith at various periods. As early as 1771 we find the form in the perforated work, with swags and classic ornamentation, rather suggestive of French fashions, and obviously intended for use with a glass liner. This is illustrated ([p. 173]), and adjacent is a piece dated 1810, made by Messrs. Rundell, Bridge, and Rundell, of the late George III period. It is important, as it is silver-gilt. It stands as typical of the attempt to popularize the Pompeiian forms. The winged figure, found on tables of the period, the tripod feet of club or goat-like form, the base with key-pattern ornament, stamp it as of the First Empire. George III was not yet dead, he was only insane, and Bonaparte had not been banished to St. Helena. In fact, Wellington was fighting in Spain, and Waterloo had yet to be fought in 1815. But here is a piece with the same artistic impulses as the chairs and tables at Fontainebleau.

The story of the salt cellar comes to an end. Its customs and its dignities are lost except to those who love the delving into the record of the manners of past days, “now here, at upper end o’ the table, now i’ the middle.” The salt cellar has a complete history for three hundred years, and with its evolution pari passu is the march of social custom.

SALE PRICES

STANDING SALTS.

£
Elizabethan(1573), 10 oz.245
”(1577), 13 oz. 18 dwts.720
James I(bell-shaped)(1608)336
””(1613)1,150