Open salts were a staple on any Victorian table. They were produced in a variety of materials, including glass, ceramic, and as the case with this pair, in silver. No company generated more examples of this form than Gorham. Indeed, the Tompkins book on this subject documents a full century of Gorham's production. According to Tompkins, this set, item number 2480, dates to 1890. These possess a commanding look. They are large, 4 1/2" long, 1 3/4" tall, and weighty, 3.9 T. oz. combined...

The Tompkins book on Gorham master salts lists model number A2956 dating from 1901-2. It is illustrated with A2957 and A2958 which were identical pieces in graduated smaller sizes. This one measures 1 7/8" in diameter, stands 7/8" high, and weighs .5 T. oz. It has a round cauldron-shaped body that stands on four ball feet. The interior is finished in a gold wash. There is a broad rim with raised ribbing. The piece is in flawless condition and without a monogram or removal...

Marked with the Whiting lion emblem, "Sterling," and the model number "2524," this c. 1885 matching pair of master salts are of a singular style. Each one measures 1" high, has a base diameter of 1 1/2", a top diameter of 3", and weighs approximately 1.1 T. oz, a little over 2.2 T. oz. together. There is a wide, 3/4", rim encircling the relatively deep, gold washed bowls and this has a formed surface that is no doubt inspired by the Aesthetic taste...

Marked on the underside with the Gorham lion, anchor, G, the word "Sterling," the model number "3025," and a date symbol for 1897, this round master salt stands 1" high, 1 3/4" in diameter, and weighs .7+ T. oz. It has a 3/8" wide, die rolled band around the body and a rolled rim top. The sidewall is monogrammed "KAS" in a flowing script. The interior had a gold wash, of which only pale traces remain...

Stamped with the date symbol for 1891, the Gorham lion, anchor, G, the word "Sterling," and the number "25," this large open salt stands 1 3/4" high, measures 2 5/8" across, and weighs a substantial 2.2 T. oz. The design is Aesthetic in nature, with a repeating cascade of what appear to be breaking waves encircling the convex body. This theme may also relate to Gorham's "Narragansett" and related series of patterns of roughly the same period...