French Country · Encyclopedia · Tableware, Kitchen and Decorative Objects
Salt Cellar
Small dishes for salt, in silver, crystal or porcelain.
Serving Pieces · Indicative US retail $20–$600
At a glance
- Family: Serving Pieces
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1800 to 1950.
- Typical price: about $80; range $20 to $600 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Silver, pairs, original liner
What it is
The salt cellar (salière) held table salt before shakers became common. French silversmiths made open salt cellars in pairs or sets of four, six or twelve, often with blue or clear glass liners and tiny spoons; double salières held salt and pepper; porcelain, crystal and pressed glass versions followed. The form ranges from classical Louis XVI baskets to Art Deco crystal cubes.
How to identify and date it
Silver cellars carry hallmarks: the Minerva head for French silver after 1838, older French marks with a cock or an old man's head before. Glass liners should fit and match; cobalt blue liners are traditional. Check for dents, repaired feet and missing spoons. Pairs and boxed sets add value.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1800 to 1950.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most salt cellar examples ask around $80. Simple or worn pieces start near $20, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $600. The main value drivers are: silver, pairs, original liner. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Before you buy
- Read hallmarks
- Check liners
- Confirm pairs and spoons
Living with it
Set a tiny salt cellar at each place for a refined French table, or use them for rings and jewelry.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.