Salt cellar - .800 silver - with crystal coupe

Antique Belgian sterling silver salt cellar with diamond-cut crystal coupe – Master JS – Belgium – circa 1831-1868

An elegant and historically interesting antique 19th-century Belgian salt cellar (open master salt) in Neo-Classical style. This refined centerpiece comes from the early period of the Kingdom of Belgium (period 1831-1868), a sought-after transitional era for collectors of antique silver.

The object consists of a solid silver base (stamped with the early Belgian Janus head for the 2nd standard fineness .800 silver) on four ball feet, featuring a finely fluted (ribbed) cupola and a processed stem. On top rests a beautiful, heavy crystal coupe with deep and sharp hand-cut diamond-cut facets (square-cut) and a refined, flaring rim.

Both the silverwork and the crystal are in excellent, authentic condition. The early Belgian silver marks are clearly struck on the edge of the foot and the collar.

Hallmarks & Identification:
Master mark: JS under a clover/star.

Fineness mark: The twin Janus head with the number 2 – the official early Belgian hallmark for 2nd quality silver (.800 fineness).

Guarantee mark: The Minerva head on the collar of the shaft, the official Belgian warranty mark from this period.

Specifications:
- Object: Salt cellar / Open master salt
- Style: Neo-Classical / Empire influences
- Material: Early Belgian silver (.800) & hand-cut crystal
- Silversmith: JS
- Origin: Belgium
- Period: Circa 1831-1868
- Total weight: 185 grams
- Silver weight: About 30 grams net silver (.800)
- Condition: Excellent antique state. The crystal is completely intact with no major chips or cracks. The silver has a beautiful patina and sharp contours.

Condition report
The piece is in a very fine, original state. The silver shows light, normal signs of age (superficial micro-scratches inherent to the age) but has no dents or restorations. The crystal coupe fits perfectly and firmly onto the silver mounting. See the close-up photos for a good impression of the specific Belgian hallmarks and the quality of the cutting.