Open Salts: The Collection of Barbara & Elmer Guilmartin

The upcoming Open Salts auction will highlight pieces from the collection of Barbara & Elmer Guilmartin, offered by Nest Egg Auctions. A selection of open salt containers is available in the sale. These salt cellars, which are small open bowls for holding spices, were the saltshakers of the 19th century. 

Highlighted are two sterling acorn salt cellars by the Danish silversmith Georg Jensen. These oval open salts are made of hand-hammered sterling silver with cobalt blue enamel. They each have double acorn-shaped handles. Also showcased is a Gorham sterling silver open salt cellar. Resting on six feet, the decorations on this piece include lions and anchors. It also has a cranberry glass insert. Over 15 open salt cellar reference books are included in the sale. Mostly written by Allen and Helen Smith, the available publications include a Royal Bayreuth collector’s guide, a handbook of Gorham open salts, and more. Visit Invaluable to register to bid and view the complete collection.