48/2006

Collection

Metalwork

Brief description

Silver capstan salt with bands of gilding on the upper and lower rims, bearing the sponsor's or maker's mark 'IN' or 'NI' in monogram, the assay mark for London, and the date letter (C) for 1580.

Object name

salt

Object number

48/2006

Production date

1580 (manufactured)

Production place

London (manufactured)

Period

Tudor (1485-1603)

Material

silver
gold

Technique

gilded
stamped
cast

Physical description

Parcel-gilt silver coverless capstan salt with bands of gilding at the upper and lower rims. The surface of the silver is scratched all over and it has a pitted, eroded appearance. The salt is stamped with a set of four hallmarks towards the bottom on one side. These are the letters 'IN' or 'NI' in monogram, a crowned leopard's head, a lion passant and the letter 'C' in a shield.

Dimensions

Height: 9cm
Diameter: 13.3cm
Weight: 314g
Weight: 11oz

Website keywords

serving food

Label

Label text for ‘Eating at Home’ case, Information Bay 1, Geffrye Museum, 2010:
Salt, 1580
Silver, partially gilt at rim and base
Salt was presented at the dining table in containers known as ‘salts’, which in the wealthiest households could be very elaborate. The salt was placed beside the head of the household during dinner. Although this example is plain, it is made of silver and is probably the type of salt that would have been owned by a family of the middling sort.
Purchased with the assistance of The Art Fund, the MLA/V&A Purchase
Grant Fund and the National Heritage Memorial Fund