antique silver salt cellar with a cobalt blue glass insert. This type of item, also known as an open salt dish, was historically used to hold and distribute table salt.
Key Details
Material: The outer body appears to be silver or silver plate, a common material for salt cellars, often used with a liner because salt can corrode silver. The interior features a separate, removable cobalt blue glass liner.
Design: The cellar has a rounded, "cauldron" shape and stands on three feet. Each foot is an ornate design featuring a lion's head with a paw detail at the base. The body of the cellar has detailed chasing or embossing with decorative patterns, and a reeded or engraved design runs around the top rim.
Period: Based on similar designs found in search results, these salt cellars are typically from the Georgian or Victorian era (19th century English sterling silver is common for this style).
Makers: Makers such as Ellis Barker and Francis Boone Thomas are associated with similar styles, with specific hallmarks indicating the exact manufacturer and year of production.