Tiffany & Co. - Chávena - Prata

Exceptionally early Tiffany & Co. silver-gilt open salt cellar, made by the important New York silversmith John C. Moore, circa 1853.

The underside is marked:

TIFFANY & CO.
J.C.M.
271 BROADWAY
101

The single J.C.M. maker’s mark, 271 Broadway address and very low pattern number place this piece in Tiffany’s brief transitional period around 1853, when Tiffany, Young & Ellis became Tiffany & Co.

The piece has a circular hemispherical bowl with a moulded rim, original gold-washed interior and four distinctive cast padded feet. The gilding protected the silver from contact with salt.

A closely comparable predecessor of the same form and virtually identical diameter is preserved in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. That example bears the earlier Tiffany, Young & Ellis/J.C.M. marks and is dated 1848–1852. Smithsonian object reference: DL.300503A / nmah_300065.

Measurements:

Diameter: 7 cm / 2.76 inches
Weight: 78 g / 2.51 troy ounces

Condition:

Good antique condition considering its approximately 170 years of age. General surface scratches, tarnish and signs of use are present. There is wear and scratching to the gold-washed interior and minor irregularity/nicks around the rim. Please inspect all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

The piece is marked by Tiffany & Co. and John C. Moore but does not carry a numerical fineness mark and has not been independently assayed. It is therefore described conservatively as antique silver rather than represented as tested sterling silver.

A rare, remarkably early and museum-documented example of Tiffany silver hollowware.