Printed from Woolley & Wallis

Description

A PEWTER ‘CAPSTAN’ SALT

ENGLISH, POSSIBLY C.1670-1700

unrecorded maker 'TL’ in a shield under the base, on an octagonal foot similar to period octagonal-base candlesticks

4.7cm high, 11cm diameter (max)

Provenance

The Carl Ricketts Collection of Pewter.

Catalogue Note

This is a rare version of the so-called 'capstan' salt, which in profile resembles a dockside or ship's capstan. Traditionally, it was thought early salts held just a small amount due to the high price of the condiment. However, it was simply convenient for most of them to hold smaller amounts either because damp air spoiled the salt, or because from at least the Stuart period it was usual for several salts to be placed about the table. British salts are almost exclusively unlidded suggesting the problem of moisture absorption was quickly realised.