Antique Silver & Mother of Pearl Caviar or Salt Dish

This delightful small fully hallmarked silver and mother of pearl caviar or salt comes from one of the most renowned manufacturers at the turn of the century - J H Worrall, Son & Co Ltd London and was assayed in London. The use of mother of pearl, associated with silver became widespread then, both for decoration, and also in places where the environment was a little more hostile for traditional materials. For example Mother of Pearl was considered a good material for the presentation of caviar at table. However as is the case with this item, sometimes users decided to use the item for salt forgetting that metals dislike it and as a consequence reacts with any nearby metal. The result is that many were either overlaid at the point of connection or were only used for brief periods, and even then thoroughly cleaned. This one was not, creating the verdigris in the base which can be retained or if required sealed with a small spot of resin if preferred.