2 Antique Salt Cellars 800 Silver with Spoons in Original Case – August Timm Hamburg c. 1900
€520.00
A pair of antique salt cellars in 800 silver, complete in their original case – with glass liners, matching salt spoons, and the gold-embossed imprint of Hamburg jeweller August Timm, formerly A.F. Lux & Co. A piece of Hamburg table culture from around 1900, preserved in excellent condition.
The cellars stand on four curved feet, the ribbed body decorated at the top with a floral cartouche – a typical feature of Historicism at the transition to Art Nouveau. The clear glass liners are undamaged, and the matching salt spoons with floral handles also bear the German silver hallmark – crescent and crown – with the fineness mark 800.
The original velvet-lined case by August Timm Jeweller, formerly A.F. Lux & Co. Hamburg, is in good condition – exterior and velvet interior both intact. The gold-embossed text inside the lid is clearly legible. Complete sets like this, preserved in their original retailer's case, are rare today. The maker of the silverwork itself is not known – this is common for table silver of this period, as jewellers had pieces made by various silversmiths and sold them under their own name.
At a Glance
2 salt cellars in 800 silver, hallmarked crescent and crown
2 matching salt spoons in 800 silver
Clear glass liner, undamaged
Oval form on four curved feet
Floral decoration in Historicism style
Dimensions cellar: approx. 6 × 4 cm, height approx. 3.7 cm
Length of spoons: approx. 7 cm
Original velvet case by August Timm Jeweller Hamburg, formerly A.F. Lux & Co.
Case dimensions: approx. 18.5 × 9.8 cm, height approx. 6 cm
Date of origin: around 1900
Condition: very good
August Timm – Jeweller in Hamburg
August Timm took over the long-established Hamburg jewellery house A.F. Lux & Co. and continued trading under his own name. The embossed case is a testament to this Hamburg commercial history – and makes the set more than just a functional object. It is a documented piece of Hanseatic table culture.
Condition
Both salt cellars and spoons in very good condition with light, age-appropriate signs of use. Glass liners undamaged. The case is in good condition externally, velvet interior intact, clasp fully functional.
Any questions, or want to see the set in person? Come visit us in our shop in Hamburg-Altona or give us a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the set complete?
Yes – both salt cellars with glass liners, both salt spoons, and the original case are all present and fully intact.
What does 800 silver mean?
800 silver means a fineness of 800/1000 – i.e. 80% pure silver. This was the standard for table silver in Germany around 1900. The German silver hallmark – crescent and crown – confirms authenticity. Learn more about the different types of silver in our blog post.
Can the set still be used?
Yes, the salt cellars are fully functional. Please note: salt corrodes silver, so after use rinse the glass liner and dry the silver thoroughly.
Does silver tarnish?
Yes, 800 silver can tarnish over time. It can easily be polished back up with a soft cloth or a silver polishing cloth.
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