17th Century Silver Capstan Trencher Salt

Object Description

A rare antique Dutch silver salt cellar, late 17th century, of square base form with canted corners. The waisted stem is beautifully engraved and chased with scroll and scalework detail, with the engraved date ‘1698’ above and initials ‘I T’. The base and circular bowl have the embossed fluting typical of the circa 1700 period.
Weight 111 grams,3.5 troy ounces.
Height 6.3cm. Width of base 9cm.
Probably Dutch.
Makers mark “HS”.
Circa 1698.
Marks. The base rim is stamped with the maker’s mark “HS”, possibly “MS” or even “SM”, and an assay scrape. The number “13” is etched in script.

Object Condition

In very good condition. Signs of old mercury solder underneath the bowl, probably from the original manufacture. Signs of wear around underside of rim.

Object Details