Presented in a brown leather écrin with embossed gold trim, this gorgeous salt cellar set is by Charles Dubret of Dijon, France. The set, which contains six glass-lined salt cellars and accompanying spoons, dates to circa 1890. An ivory colored silk lines the underside of the lid and is stamped with the production mark “Ch. Dubret 83 rue de la Liberté Dijon”.

When not in use, each of the silver and vermeil (silver coated with a layer of gold) cellars rests within a recessed oval, alternating with the spoons, which are contained by raised prongs. The ground is covered in a luxurious royal blue felt that showcases the finely etched silver pieces. A removable glass insert sits inside each cellar, which is embellished with a pierced Rococo-style arrangement of flowers, lozenges, asymmetrical scrolls, and curled leaves. Similarly, the spoons have fine details of a head in the form of a scalloped shell, fluting, and a crenate leaf at the end of the handle.

Before modern saltshakers, cellars would be placed at individual settings around a formal dining table. They were typically viewed as status symbols, as salt was a high-value commodity in the 19th century. The exquisite box that accompanies this set further illustrates this point. Charles Dubret was born in 1847 in Vesoul, not too far from the city of Dijon. Dubret was a silversmith who was known for producing ornate serving pieces, such as this silver and glass salt cellar set. His pieces were valued for their artistic craftsmanship and are highly sought-after functional collectibles.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Commensurate wear to the silk lining of the lid, presenting as discoloration and age separations. A slight indentation to the felt form that cradles the silver pieces. Minor losses to leather exterior of the box with very light scratches and chapping. Losses to some of the glass liners of the cellars.