Salt and pepper shakers have been beloved collectibles for over a century, with passionate collectors around the globe vying for the rarest and most exquisite examples. Today, the most sought-after salt and pepper shakers can command thousands of dollars at auction, making them a lucrative niche for savvy collectors.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll delve into the fascinating history of collectible salt and pepper shakers, showcase the most coveted and valuable examples, and provide expert advice for assembling a top-notch collection. Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or just starting out, this article will give you the knowledge and tools to navigate the exciting world of S&P shaker collecting in 2024 and beyond.
The Rise of Salt and Pepper Shaker Collecting
The story of salt and pepper shaker collecting begins in the early 1900s, when the advent of industrial manufacturing and a growing middle class led to an explosion of novelty shaker designs. As dining out became more popular, restaurants began leaving shakers on the table for diners to season their food to taste. At home, hostesses saw fancy shakers as a way to elevate their dining tables and express their personal style.
However, it wasn‘t until the 1930s and 40s that collecting salt and pepper shakers truly took off as a hobby in the United States. The catalyst was the influx of inexpensive, whimsical shaker sets from Japan, which were exported in huge numbers after World War I. These charming figural sets depicting animals, people, vehicles, fruits and vegetables captured the imaginations of consumers and collectors alike.
The hobby really hit its stride in the 1950s, as the post-war economic boom led to an insatiable appetite for consumer goods and kitsch. S&P shakers in the shapes of pop culture icons like Mickey Mouse, Elvis, and I Love Lucy were wildly popular. According to renowned collector Andrea Ludden, author of "The Definitive Guide to Salt & Pepper Shaker Collecting," at the height of the craze in the 1950s-60s, "some women collected over 10,000 sets of shakers!"
Collecting clubs and newsletters sprang up across the country, with thousands of members trading shakers and showing off their collections at conventions. While S&P collecting is no longer as mainstream a hobby today, it still boasts a thriving community of passionate collectors who buy, sell, and trade at shows, auctions, and online.
The Most Valuable Salt and Pepper Shakers
So what are the holy grail sets that top collectors are hunting for today? Here are some of the most valuable salt and pepper shakers based on sales data from top auction houses and collector clubs:
1. Georgian Sterling Silver Shakers
Georgian Era (1714-1837) sterling silver salt and pepper shakers from renowned English silversmiths are among the most valuable and coveted by collectors. Look for ornate sets with gilding, hand-chasing, repousse designs, or inset jewels.
A pair of George III sterling silver shakers from London, 1767, sold at Christie‘s in 2022 for a staggering £8,750 ($11,375). The Pyramid-shaped shakers featured a quilted lattice design and the maker‘s mark of legendary silversmith William Cripps.
"Georgian sterling silver shakers represent the ultimate in craftsmanship and luxury," notes James Peele, silver expert at Christie‘s auction house in London. "Their rarity and exquisite beauty make them the crown jewels of any serious S&P shaker collection."
2. Art Deco Era Figural Sets
Figural sets from the 1920s-1940s in the Art Deco style are highly prized by collectors for their bold, stylized designs. Look for sleek animal, human or floral figures in porcelain, early plastics, or even chrome with bright, geometric colored accents typical of the era.
"The Deco period was a highpoint for novelty S&P design," says Dori Halperin, owner of Shaker Mecca Antiques in Miami and an expert in Art Deco collectibles. "Manufacturers like Goebel, Robj, and Noritake created fabulous figural sets that perfectly captured the spirit and style of the era."
Among the most valuable Art Deco sets are the "Tempo" musicians designed by Constantin Alajalov for the Robj company of Paris in the 1930s. Sculpted of porcelain in dramatic black and white with gold accents, the jazz band figures included Saxophone Sam, Fiddling Fred, and Hotcha Heinie. Individual Robj "Tempo" musician shakers have sold for upwards of $1,000, while complete sets with all 6 musicians are valued at over $10,000.
Other coveted Art Deco sets include Goebel‘s "Chubby" nudes, Red Wing‘s "Dancing Couple," and Josef Lorenzl‘s chrome-plated "Egyptian Dancer" sets. A rare chrome-plated "Panther" set designed by Lurelle Guild for Chase Copper & Brass sold at Sotheby‘s in 2021 for $4,500.
3. Novelty Shakers from Occupied Japan
Some of the most popular vintage shakers were those produced in Japan during the American occupation after WWII (1945-1952). Often marked "Made in Occupied Japan," these whimsical sets came in a huge variety of figural designs like animals, people, fruits and vegetables in brightly colored ceramics.
"The Occupied Japan era was a golden age for S&P shakers, with an incredible diversity of fun, affordable sets that are still very collectible today," says Nancy Smith, president of the Novelty Salt & Pepper Shakers Club and author of the "Shaker Finder" price guide. "Collectors especially love the anthropomorphic animal sets, where the animals are dressed up like people. Those tend to be the most valuable."
While prices for common Occupied Japan sets have softened in recent years, rare examples in pristine condition still command high prices. A circa 1950 set of Siamese cats in Mexican attire, marked "Ceramic Arts Studio" and "Made in Occupied Japan" sold for $3,000 in 2023. Meanwhile, mint condition sets of Lefton‘s "Miss Priss" girl and boy shakers, Enesco‘s "Bluebird of Happiness," and the Holt-Howard Pixieware line remain perennial favorites, selling in the $200-$500 range.
4. Mid-Century Modern Shakers
As Mid-Century Modern style has roared back into vogue, collectors are snapping up S&P shakers from the 1950s-1970s that epitomize the sleek Space Age aesthetic. Look for Danish modern wood designs and atomic-inspired shapes in ceramic, glass, chrome and plastics in the bold colors of the era.
"For MCM design lovers, vintage S&P sets offer an affordable way to add a touch of iconic ‘50s and ‘60s style to their kitchens and home decor," says Jaime Derringer, founder of the website DesignMilk and author of "The Collector‘s Guide to Mid-Century Modern."
Among the most collectible Mid-Century Modern shakers are the "Eames Dots" sets designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Copco in solid walnut with colorful porcelain dots. While originally priced under $20 in the 1950s, mint examples now routinely sell for over $500.
Other desirable MCM sets include George Nelson‘s 1955 "Shorty" shakers for Prescolite with exaggerated cork stoppers, Jens Quistgaard‘s teak and sterling silver "Rare Danish" shakers for Dansk, and the 1960s "Tempo" shakers by Lagardo Tackett for Architectural Pottery in glossy glazes. Even mass-produced 1950s sets are gaining value, like the Holt Howard "Cozy Cats" and "Pixieware" lines, the "Lemonade Dearies" from Napco, and Lefton bluebirds.
"A museum-quality set of Eames Dots recently sold at auction for $1,295," notes Derringer. "With their iconic status and crossover appeal to both S&P and Mid-Century Modern collectors, I expect their value will only continue to rise in coming years."
Tips for Spotting Fakes and Reproductions
As with any valuable collectible, the S&P shaker market is unfortunately rife with convincing fakes and reproductions. Collectors need to be vigilant and educate themselves on how to authenticate pieces. Some key tips:
-
Know thy maker‘s marks. Familiarize yourself with the backstamps, labels and molded/stamped markings used by desirable makers like Goebel, Lefton, Holt Howard, etc. in different eras. Many fakes get these details wrong.
-
Check for signs of age. Inspect ceramic and plastic pieces for telltale crazing, scratches, fading and wear that develop over decades. If the colors are too clean and bright and the edges still sharp, be suspicious that it may be a reproduction.
-
Compare to known examples. Extensively research the details, colors and sculpting of genuine pieces from reputable sources like collector‘s guides and museum collections. Reproduction Robj musicians, for example, often have much cruder hand-painting than the exquisite originals.
-
Consult an expert. For particularly rare or high-value sets, it‘s worth having them authenticated by a recognized expert in S&P collectibles before purchasing. Consider contacting collector clubs for referrals.
"It can take years to train your eye, but the more S&P shakers you carefully study and handle, the more easily fakes will jump out at you," counsels Ludden. "When in doubt, get a second opinion from a trusted dealer or collector before shelling out big bucks."
Storing and Displaying a S&P Shaker Collection
To preserve the condition and value of collectible salt and pepper shakers, proper storage and display is key. Some advice from the pros:
-
Keep ‘em separated. "Never store S&P sets nested together, as they will inevitably scratch each other over time," warns Smith. Store sets in individual archival zipper bags or compartmented boxes with padding.
-
Avoid environmental hazards. Keep shakers out of direct sunlight, which can cause fading. Avoid significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity. And never store or display valuable sets in the kitchen or near food prep areas, where grease and grime can accumulate on them.
-
Opt for enclosed cases. "I recommend displaying collections in enclosed glass or acrylic cases to protect them from dust and accidental damage," says Ludden. Avoid open shelving in high-traffic areas of your home.
-
Hands off! Resist the temptation to handle treasured sets frequently, as even clean hands can transfer skin oils that attract dust and grime over time. Wear white cotton gloves if you do need to handle a shaker.
-
Clean with care. Never immerse collectible shakers in water. Gently dust ceramic, porcelain and glass sets with a soft, dry paintbrush or microfiber cloth. For metal pieces, use a polishing cloth specifically formulated for silver, chrome or brass.
If any damage occurs, resist the urge to make repairs yourself, as you can easily diminish a piece‘s value with sloppy glue jobs or mismatched paints. Consult a professional who specializes in restoring ceramics and art objects.
The Future of S&P Shaker Collecting: 2024 and Beyond
So where is the salt and pepper shaker collecting market headed? While prices for common, mass-produced vintage sets may continue to soften, experts expect demand and values to hold steady for the rarest, most exquisite examples.
"In uncertain economic times, we tend to see collectors focus their dollars on the best of the best," says Peele. "The market rewards rarity, quality and condition. Average pieces may languish, but exceptional pieces will always find buyers."
Ludden agrees that quality is key in today‘s market. "Now more than ever, it‘s crucial that collectors educate themselves and be selective. Don‘t just buy every shaker that catches your eye." She advises focusing on rare sets with a documented provenance in the best possible condition.
Some categories of collectible S&Ps that experts say are on the upswing and worth watching include:
-
Crossover collectibles – Shakers that appeal to collectors in other categories like silver, Art Deco design, Black Americana, and advertising will continue to outperform the general S&P market. "I‘ve seen bidding wars erupt between S&P collectors and Coca-Cola collectors over a rare set from the 1930s featuring the Coke logo," says Ludden.
-
Artist- and celebrity-designed sets – Sets conceived by famed artists and designers like Alajalov, Warhol, and Dali remain highly sought-after. "Collectors should also keep an eye out for limited edition sets designed by celebrities," advises Smith, like the kitschy "Happy Little Shakers" designed by Bob Ross for Target in 2021 that are now selling for $75+.
-
One-of-a-kind artisan sets – With renewed appreciation for handcrafted and artisanal goods, Smith predicts that one-of-a-kind, sculptural S&P sets by contemporary glass and ceramic artists will be a segment to watch. Popular makers like Michael Aram, Jonathan Adler and MacKenzie-Childs are putting a fresh spin on the form.
Ultimately, no matter which direction the S&P collecting market heads, experts agree that the joy of collecting is more than just dollars and cents. "The real value of a collection is the pleasure it brings you," reflects Ludden. "Collect what you love and you can‘t go wrong. The rest is just gravy!"
So dust off grandma‘s old S&P collection and see if you spy any hidden gems. Study up on makers‘ marks so you can scope out the thrift shops and garage sales for treasure. And above all, have fun hunting for those holy grail sets to add a pinch of vintage spice to your life! Your collection‘s value may just rise along with your spirits.
