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Offered for sale is a beautifully matched pair of authentic Baldwin & Miller sterling silver salt and pepper shakers, marked STERLING on the underside of each piece. The pair has a combined weight of approximately 194 grams, equivalent to approximately 6.24 troy ounces gross weight.
These ornate antique shakers feature extensive hand-chased floral decoration, tall baluster-shaped bodies, pierced removable tops, and sculptural lion-mask legs terminating in detailed cloven or paw-form feet. Each shaker measures approximately 4.875 inches high.
The distinctive combination of floral chasing, body proportions, pierced finial-capped tops, lion-mask legs, and three-footed construction matches documented Baldwin & Miller examples.
Details
- Maker: Baldwin & Miller Inc., Newark, New Jersey
- Material: Sterling Silver (.925)
- Form: Salt and pepper shakers
- Style: Victorian Revival
- Pattern: Hand-Chased Floral with Lion-Mask Feet
- Height: Approximately 4.875 inches each
- Combined weight: Approximately 194 grams
- Gross troy weight: Approximately 6.24 troy ounces
- Estimated fine-silver content: Approximately 5.77 troy ounces
- Marked: STERLING
- Features: Hand-chased floral decoration, lion-mask legs, cloven or paw-form feet, pierced removable tops, and decorative finials
- Quantity: One matched pair
- Monograms: None observed
- Country of origin: United States
Maker and marking
Baldwin & Miller Inc. operated in Newark, New Jersey and manufactured small sterling silver hollowware, trophies, and novelty items.
The undersides of this pair are marked simply STERLING, without the customary B&M manufacturer’s hallmark. The simplified marking indicates that the pair was manufactured by Baldwin & Miller as part of a wholesale or private-label order for a retail client.
Condition
Very attractive antique condition with a bright polished finish and excellent overall presentation.
The pair displays fine surface scratches,minor dents and normal handling wear consistent with age and use. They do not exhibit splits or any sign of monogram removals or obvious repairs.
The hand-chased floral decoration remains well defined. The lion-mask legs and feet are intact, and both shakers stand properly. The removable tops fit the bodies.
These are solid sterling silver shakers, not weighted or silverplate examples. Their substantial sterling weight, matching form, ornate hand decoration, and sculptural lion-mask feet make them an appealing addition to a collection of Baldwin & Miller or American sterling hollowware, as well as an elegant addition to a formal dining table.
