Salt Cellar
Date1771-1772
Probably by
Samuel Meriton
OriginEngland, London
MediumSilver
DimensionsH: 1 3/4"; Diam (rim) 2 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1964-499,2
DescriptionSalt Cellar: One of a set of tri-footed silver salt cellars; the pot shaped raised bowl flairs at the top in a scalloped edge; applied cast legs are evenly spaced and designed in a cabriole shape with simplified shell knees and pad feet.Label TextThese salts of standard tripod type descended in the Burwell family of Virginia and are believed to have been originally owned by Nathaniel Burwell (1750-1814) of Carter's Grove, James City County. London tripod salts of 1739/40 and of 1754/55 with histories of Virginia ownership in the Nelson family of Yorktown and the Belches family of Surry County are known.
InscribedNone
MarkingsMaker's initials "W.S." (possibly for William Sheen, ca. 1755) in a rectangle located on center bottom of one of the bowls; date letter on one of the salts is possibly "Q" for 1771-1772.
ProvenanceEx Coll: George H. Burwell III, Millwood, Virginia
1771-1772
1771-1772
1771-1772
1777-1778
1777-1778
ca.1750-1780
1760-1761
ca. 1750-1760
1785-1800
1785-1800
1767-1768