Pair of Revolutionary War era Pewter Salts

Being offered is a matching pair of 18^th century pewter salts. They each stand 3” high, with a diameter of 3” on top and 2 ¾” on the base. In the 18th century, salt was an indispensable and high-value commodity used primarily for food preservation, medicine, and as an emerging industrial chemical. Because refrigeration did not exist, it was the only way to store meat and fish over long periods, making it critical for survival and global trade.

Controlling salt supplies was a key military strategy. During the American Revolution, British blockades targeted salt works to disrupt the colonists' food supply as well as the military. To encourage less usage, typically only one salt would be on the table – having two was a sign of a household with more wealth.

Authentic 18th-century pewter salts are highly sought-after collectibles, typically appearing as open salt cellars or "trencher salts". In the early 1700s, they often-had flat bottoms (trencher style), but by the 1730s, they evolved into circular bowls. There is a very similar salt on display at the Brooklyn Museum in New York (see pictures).

Finding a matched pair from this era is a rare opportunity for collectors, as many were separated or damaged over the centuries due to pewter's relatively soft nature and its tendency to develop "pewter disease" (corrosion) when exposed to salt.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find, and I am fortunate to have quite a few pieces in stock. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in purchases.

Throughout history, war has been a constant presence, shaping civilizations and societies. From the earliest days of humanity, conflict has persisted in various forms, and based on historical patterns, it is likely to continue in some manner. This ongoing reality has given rise to a deep fascination among historians and collectors who seek to understand the past through the tangible remnants left behind, i.e. uniforms, guns, swords, artillery.

While significant attention is given to weapons and military gear, the everyday items used by soldiers frequently go unnoticed. Simple objects like forks, spoons, cups, dishes, pots, and knives played an essential role in a soldier’s daily life. These items were as precious to the individual as their weapon, serving practical needs and providing comfort amidst the hardships of war.  I myself have always appreciated their importance in showing a complete representation of a collection. Also, George Neumann and Frank Kravic recognized their value and included them in their books.     Bob