Pass the Salt ? Its a Hot Collectible
Part of the attraction of any collectible is the story that surrounds it, and salt-cellars have a tale to tell. Here's what you need to know about this condiment collectible.
The Salt
Salt-cellars, sometimes called "the salt," open salts or salt dips, have been around for centuries. They are the dishes from which salt was served with tiny spoons or the end of a knife blade. In informal situations, you could pinch the salt from the dishes.
Early salt was coarse and caked in humid weather. It had to be kept in open dishes so that the coarse salt could be broken up before serving.
Materials
Salt-cellars were made of many materials including wood, glass, pottery, pewter, crystal, sterling and Faberge. They ranged in style from unadorned, simple-shaped glass to chic decorative sterling silver.
History
In the Middle Ages, where you were seated in relation to the placement of the salt on the table signified your social stature. The desirable seating position was "above the salt," a term that is still sometimes used. Wealthy Romans' liberal use of salt, a precious commodity at that time, broadcast their social status.
One of the most famous salt-cellars is depicted in Leonardo da Vinci's painting "The Last Supper." It shows an upturned salt-cellar in front of Judas, which signifies bad luck or bad faith.
Salt-cellars became archaic in the early 19th century when new glass technology developed. Glass salt shakers were born and salt-cellars were obsolete.
Desirable Collectible
Salt-cellars are attractive collectibles. They are unique and decorative. You can have an assortment yet they do not take up too much space. Plus, they are not too expensive so you can develop a collection without breaking the bank, ranging in price from a few dollars to pricier crystal or sterling silver.
Antique shops, flea markets, garage sales and E-bay are all good sources for salt-cellars.
Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium, an antique shop located in Toronto, Canada. He does furniture restoration, caning and rushing repairs, custom reproductions, upholstery, teaches courses on antiques and does appraisals for estates and community events. He can be reached at 416-785-4555 or by visiting http://www.takeaboo.com
 Google News Updated : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:08:02 GMT McCain, Obama pitch economic plans to Hispanics - Kansas City Star
Kansas City Star - By LIZ SIDOTI and CHARLES BABINGTON AP Writers Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., left, accompanied by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, waves, Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at the League of United Latin American Citizens in ... McCain, Obama pitch economic plans to Hispanics Obama Assails McCain on Immigration Before Latino Audience Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:25:20 GMT Wildfires push some from homes; some allowed back - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - BIG SUR, Calif. (AP) - Firefighters pushed back a blaze threatening this small coastal community just enough to allow hundreds of people to check on their homes Tuesday as a separate fire 300 miles north forced residents of another town to evacuate. Video: Hot, Dry Weather Developing on Calif Fire Lines Much of US West Coast Under `Explosive' Fire Threat (Update2) Publ.Date : Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:40:34 GMT Bad blood hampering Obama's effort to help retire Clinton's debt - Kansas City Star
Kansas City Star - By PATRICK HEALY A prominent donor to Sen. Barack Obama recently sent an e-mail plea to other supporters, asking them - for the sake of Democratic unity - to write checks to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton to help retire her $23 million in campaign debt. While Markets Peer Ahead Research firm: Obama outpacing McCain in Web-site traffic, online ... Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:23:52 GMT VMware Ousts CEO Greene - BusinessWeek
BusinessWeek - by Aaron Ricadela VMware ended a long-running battle over its strategic direction on July 8, ousting co-founder and Chief Executive Diane Greene and installing Microsoft veteran Paul Maritz in her place. VMWare Drops 25% Of Market Cap; CEO Out Why VMware Dumped Diane Greene Publ.Date : Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:18:50 GMT Obama proposes bankruptcy changes - Atlanta Journal Constitution
Atlanta Journal Constitution - By AARON GOULD SHEININ Barack Obama moved Tuesday to paint the 2008 presidential election in stark terms of rich vs. poor, and fat cats vs. Ad Hawk: McCain's Generation Gap Obama ad attacks McCain on energy solutions Publ.Date : Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:41:26 GMT Whistleblower: Cheney Wanted Cuts in Climate Change Testimony - ABC News
ABC News - By Z. BYRON WOLF President Bush is in Japan pledging to do his best to put the US on a long-term path to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050, but back in Washington a former Environmental Protection Agency official said staffers at the White ... Cheney wanted cuts in climate testimony Cheney's Office Pushed Purge Of Climate Change Testimony Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:32:45 GMT Iraq wants US withdrawal deadline - CNN
CNN - BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A deadline should be set for the withdrawal of US and allied forces from Iraq, and the pullout could be done as soon as 2011, an Iraqi government spokesman said Tuesday. Video: Iraqi PM Calls for Withdrawal Date UPDATE 1-Pentagon chief downplays Iraqi calls for withdrawal Publ.Date : Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:32:49 GMT Increase Web Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... There's good news about hardwood floors. Because of advanced construction... Read More Do you want to add a sense of style and... Read More If your kitchen is U-shaped or L-shaped, a corner kitchen... Read More Few things are as comforting on a cold winter night... Read More Electric adjustable beds are adjustable beds that can be automatically... Read More Since there has been a trend in recent years towards... Read More Rustic country decor and how to decorate cottage style homes... Read More Decorating can be a big challenge in today's world. There... Read More Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock. It is chemically... Read More Have you ever had the pleasure of strolling through a... Read More In the mini blind market, you have three types of... Read More Country decorating ideas can help you create a home that... Read More The easiest and most inexpensive way to invigorate the design... Read More Home lighting is something that doesn't get the attention it... Read More Portable dishwashers are just the ticket for those with less... Read More Conservatories are such lovely and serene rooms that homeowners want... Read More Planning a dinner party but worried what your guests will... Read More Have you been in a craft store or maybe gone... Read More What constitutes a balanced room according to feng shui theory... Read More Shower curtain rods give you a unique opportunity to showcase... Read More When redecorating a room, don't forget about your lighting. While... Read More Wicker picnic baskets are a lovely, traditional way to pack... Read More Decorating anything is one of the easiest things in the... Read More Chairs crafted by Thomas Chippendale were dazzling examples of quality... Read More Unlike windup cuckoo clocks, which require rewinding every one, two... Read More
Adsense
websites
An Introduction to Hardwood Floors
Bedroom Benches - The Ease of Decorating With Them
The Advantages of Corner Kitchen Sinks
How to Wash a Down Comforter
The Benefits of Electric Adjustable Beds
Interior Decorating and Home Decor With Native American Indian Art
Rustic Country Decor - How to Decorate Cottage Style Homes
Bean Bag Chairs ? Choosing the Right One
Want a Beautiful Limestone Floor but Worried About The Maintenance? Read On
About Pine Needle Baskets and How to Use Them in Your Home Decor
Custom Mini Blinds
Country Decorating Ideas - Create Warmth and Charm with Country Style Decorating Ideas
Furniture Placement Secrets
Home Lighting - Important but Overlooked Aspects
A Look at Portable Dishwashers
Choosing Conservatory Furniture
Dining Chair Slipcovers ? A Great Way to Impress Your Dinner Guests!
Craft Projects - A Home Decorating One Of A Kind Look
Feng Shui Interprets Exposed Beams
A Look at Shower Curtain Rods
Lamp Shades Decorate a Room
The Benefits of Wicker Picnic Baskets
Decorating, Where Theres a Will Theres a Way
Thomas Chippendale and His Legendary Chairs
The Benefits of Quartz Cuckoo Clocks
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Five Quick and Cheap Ways to Decorate for Fall
1. Utilize the "use what you have" theory! Go through... Read More
Fruit Basket Delivery
Probably the single most important component responsible for making the... Read More
The Arts & Crafts Movement for Beginners
If you like clean, simple, oak furnishings, you're likely an... Read More
A Baker?s Rack: Always A Favorite
When it comes to home accessories, baker's racks have long... Read More
California King Bedding Cannot Be Interchanged With Standard King Bedding
If you are looking for a great selection of California... Read More
Essential Dishwasher Parts
You may need to replace dishwasher parts from time to... Read More
Bathroom Vanity Lights: Tips Before Buying Vanity Bathroom Lights
Bathroom vanity lights are often overlooked in a bathroom. Artificial... Read More
The Value of Antique Wedgwood China
Since the company is now slightly over 250 years old,... Read More
Have You Considered These Space-Saving Bed Designs To Maximize Your Interior Decorating Space?
Vertical and functional space planning are two of the most... Read More
Granite Tile Countertops
The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal... Read More
15 Summer Decorating Ideas
Summer decorating is a wonderful time to lighten up the... Read More
Aluminum Mini Blinds
Aluminum blinds are a low-cost and durable solution as a... Read More
How To Make A Room Divider
A room divider in a theme that compliments your décor... Read More
Creative Ways to Decorate Your Walls
Moving into a new house can sometimes cause a quandry.... Read More
Dining Chair Slipcovers ? A Great Way to Impress Your Dinner Guests!
Planning a dinner party but worried what your guests will... Read More
Quick And Easy Bathroom Decor Changes
Are you tired of the way your bathroom looks? Don't... Read More
Home Décor for First Timers (no matter what your age)
If you're like most people home décor is a puzzling... Read More
Corner Bakers Rack: Create Extra Storage Space and Style
One of the most highly sought after pieces of furnishings... Read More
A Guide to Interior Shutters
We've all heard of exterior shutters. We see them on... Read More
A Look at Cuckoo Clock Movement
The inside mechanics of cuckoo clocks maintain virtually the same... Read More
5 Tips to Preschoolers Bedrooms, on a Budget
Decorating on a budget can always be a challenge, but... Read More
Transitional Lighting - What Is It?
Anyone perusing through the websites looking for lighting fixtures to... Read More
Contemporary Bathroom Vanities
Minimal, linear, often metallic and futuristic, contemporary bathroom vanities come... Read More
A Spring Sampler
Spring is in the air, or at least we all... Read More
How Curtains Can Change the Look of Your Home
The roles of curtains have changed. At one time they... Read More
Interior Design & Decorating |