🥇 BANNER Colonial Era Sterling Salt Shaker

[UnderMiner]

Found this over the weekend on a site of an old farmhouse. Thought it was modern but today I cleaned it and saw the hallmarks on the bottom. There are three markings: a crowned lion's head, a lion, and a "C". I think this might be over 200-year old English sterling silver. Maybe it's from the age of pirates!

Edit: Research indicates that this is indeed an early colonial artifact. It was made in London in 1738 and was probably exported to the 13 colonies shortly thereafter. Despite my initial assumptions of it being a salt shaker I'm now convinced it is a "pepper pot". This is the oldest and most unique artifact I have found to date. Thanks to all who helped in identifying and dating this rare and interesting piece. Last find of 2014. Happy New Year!






Here is the bottom showing the very old looking hallmarks:

 

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[Bill D. (VA)]

Wow - never heard of anything like that being dug. Awesome find!

 

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[Kirk PA]

That is just amazing. I would love to have one. Which state are you in?

Kirk

 

[CMDiamonddawg]

Very nice , I like it !

CapeMayDiamonddawg

 

[K1DDO1979]

Can't believe I missed this thread. Congrats and awesome find. I want one!

 

[HenryWaltonJonesJr]

This relic will look great on top, my vote is in! Congrats!

 

[CASPER-2]

 

[DCMetal]

The crowned leopard was used in London from 1478 until 1822. The "C" is the date mark. There are several variations of the "C" date mark so to find the exact date, you really have to know the shape and surrounding shield. To find your date mark, click on this link for the date chart.
London Hallmarks - Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Maker's Marks

 

[Argentium]

This is a wonderful find ! I just went to Wikipedia and found out that salt cellars were used fairly regularly into the early 20th century .
(these would have been used in conjunction with the salt "shovel" -a diminutive silver spoon with a flat and square front bowl )
I only bring up the salt to further the case that this is a pepper pot ,since the date would seem to confirm this . As has been
mentioned already , salt and pepper -for centuries , were a high end luxury available to Lords and Ladies and Royalty.BANNER.

 

[dgaughan]

That is an incredible find!

 

[Prospector70]

That's a sweet find!
Imagine finding something from the colonial time, must be really cool to hold it.

 

[Metal Illness]

Congrats on a well deserved BANNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Davers]

Found this over the weekend on a site of an old farmhouse. Thought it was modern but today I cleaned it and saw the hallmarks on the bottom. There are three markings: a crowned lion's head, a lion, and a "C". I think this might be over 200-year old English sterling silver. Maybe it's from the age of pirates!

Edit: Research indicates that this is indeed an early colonial artifact. It was made in London in 1738 and was probably exported to the 13 colonies shortly thereafter. Despite my initial assumptions of it being a salt shaker I'm now convinced it is a "pepper pot". This is the oldest and most unique artifact I have found to date. Thanks to all who helped in identifying and dating this rare and interesting piece. Last find of 2014. Happy New Year!

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Here is the bottom showing the very old looking hallmarks:
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View attachment 1099798

Very nice I missed this somehow ,(I get sidetracked on every post it seems )
You Stated "Found this over the weekend on a site of an old farmhouse "
Did you actually Dig it up?
Or was it Found in a 'old ,old shed, ? or trash pile or the like?

It's in Awesome dug Condition, Very Cool
Congratz on the Banner.
Great way to end 2014.
Davers

 

[Argentium]

Underminer , I'm quite interested to know what the weight is in grams/ounces troy ? (Is there any pepper in it ?)

 

[Guest 1551]

That is so freaking awesome!

 

[BigWaveDave]

Awesome find, but if were me, my wife would be like "where's the other one?"

 

[Ahab8]

Man I'm loving this piece! Congrats on a well deserved Banner find

 

[coinman123]

Wow, I would be thrilled to find something like that. Amazing that it was lost over 250 years ago and still looks how it did the day it was dropped. Congrats on such an amazing historic find, I hope to find something like sometime but I highly doubt it.

Coinman123,

 

[CoilyGirl]

Congrats on a true hidden treasure and banner find.

 

[Msbeepbeep]

Congrats on a great discovery and making Banner! Fantastic way to close the year!

 

[birdman]

Insanely cool and historic!!