This is a charming small Victorian Novelty Sterling Silver Pepper Shaker in the form of a milk churn. The circular tapered body has two handles and the top has a flared rim. The interior of the body and of the lid are gilded. There are no initials or personalisation of any kind.

The pepper shaker was made by highly regarded silversmiths Saunders & Shepherd and assayed in Chester in 1894. Cornelius Saunders and Frank Shepherd began their partnership in London’s Holborn Circus district in 1878. This was a major centre for silversmiths, goldsmiths and jewellers for many years in the 19th and 20th centuries. The firm were both manufacturers and retailers, specialising in small silver items for personal or domestic use and registered marks in London, Birmingham, Chester and Sheffield. The company remained in business up until the late 1930s.

Condition is very good, with just the superficial surface wear that you would expect after over 130 years of use. The lift off lid fits securely. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The pepper shaker stands 3cm / 1.2ins high and is 2.4cm / 0.94ins across from handle to handle. It weighs in at 10.2g / 0.36oz of solid Sterling Silver.

The hallmarks, on the underside of the base, are nice and clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the sword and three wheatsheaves assay mark for Chester, the date letter L for 1894 and the distinctive C S and F S either side of a star makers' mark for Saunders & Shepherd.