A rare and important set of four silver salt cellars manufactured by the greatest silversmith of the 18th century have been unearthed in Staffordshire. The set of four silver salts were crafted by Paul de Lamerie (1688-1751). A Huguenot or French Protestant, he came to London in the late 17th century. He opened his shop in 1712 and was appointed goldsmith to George I in 1716. The silver salts, which have a heavy gauge (weight), are manufactured in the higher purity of 95.84% silver. This higher standard was introduced by the English government as part of the great recoinage scheme in 1696, when attempts were made to limit the clipping and melting of sterling silver coinage. It was thought that by maintaining a higher standard for silver tablewares, there would be less incentive to put the newly issued sterling coins in the melting pot.

Commenting on the find, Charles Hanson, manager of Hansons Auctioneers remarked, ‘We are delighted to be handling a set of four silver salt cellars crafted by the eminent silversmith Paul de Lamerie. The silver salts, manufactured in London, are almost three hundred years old and date to 1728 and the reign of King George II. They are beautifully made with cut card and stiff leaf decoration and raised on spreading bases’. Each salt is impressed with the all important fleur de lys maker’s mark for de Lamerie and measures approx 3” high and 4” in diameter.

Interest in the salts and Paul de Lamerie is expected to create global interest for the Lot. The guide price is set at £8000-10,000. For further details contact Hansons on 01283 733 988 or email [email protected]

For more information visit www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk