Regency Sterling Silver Master Salt Cellar

hallmarked London, 1811-1812, by John Houle (ca. 1784-1850; free 1807), circular cauldron form, with wavy gadrooned rim, the body decorated with applied seashell gadroons and raised on three acanthus-scroll feet, fitted with the original conforming sterling silver liner and engraved on the underside with the badge of the clan McKay; together with an associated "shell-and-twig" master salt spoon re-cast from an 1812 Robert Garrard example.
cellar, h. 2-5/8", dia. 4-1/4"; spoon, l. 3-7/8"; 14.08 total t. oz.

Literature: Arthur G. Grimwade, London Goldsmiths, 1697-1837: Their Marks and Lives, Third Edition (London: Faber & Faber, 1990), pp. 552 & 754.

Notes: John Houle was apprenticed to Paul Storr, the Regency's finest silversmith, in 1798 and earned his freedom in 1807. (Even though a silversmith, like his master Storr he gained his freedom through the Vintner's Company, reflecting the tradition that it was not the trade but the "freedom of the city" which granted a tradesman the right to work.) He was known for his skilled chasing on silverwork, and took seven apprentices (two of them his sons).

**A handsome and rare salt in generally good condition. There is a shallow 1/4" dimple on the underside, near the engraved badge, and two 1/4" dimples on the liner. Otherwise no issues noted beyond the expected scuffs and dings consistent with age. The spoon in good condition, but a modern re-cast as noted in the description.