We all know that old, vintage utensils like drinkware and dinnerware are precious collectibles. But have you ever thought that even small items like salt & pepper shakers can add charm to vintage collections?
If you haven’t, it’s high time you do! Filtered by my keen eye, here’s a list of unique, limited-edition, and rare salt & pepper shakers, with their prices, identification tips, and much more!
Key Takeaways
- Detailed pig-shaped Edwardian salt & pepper shakers are the rarest and most valuable set, costing over $3,000.
- Unique-shaped Sterling Silver Shakers, like the Knowles Hand-Hammered Silver Shakers and Repousse Jenkins & Jenkins Shakers, are a great addition to vintage collections.
- Rare shakers from prominent brands like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Gorham fetch high returns.
How to Identify Rare Vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers
We’ve been using salt & pepper shakers for years, and we’ve mostly seen common materials like glass, plastic, and stainless steel with simplistic shapes and designs.
But back in the old times, even these tableware items were a way of displaying art and craft. That, along with the given features, is what makes them rare!
- Precious materials, such as sterling silver, porcelain, gold, crystal, etc.
- Intricate decoration with detailed, unique designs
- Unique shapes of shakers (animal-shaped, rectangular, egg-shaped, etc.)
- Figurative shakers with various themes like Christmas, Easter, etc.
- Unique vintage patterns like Man in the Moon and Huggers
- Rare branded models from the old era
A List of 18 Rarest Salt & Pepper Shaker Sets with Current Values
Let’s explore the 16 rarest and most valuable antique and vintage salt & pepper shakers that you would love to have in your antique collection!
1
Sterling Silver Owl Shakers
Typically sells for $300–$2,000+
This 1964 Elizabeth II pair by Richard Comyns shows detailed feather work across the body, amber glass eyes, clawed feet, and removable pierced heads as lids.
A part of the popular English novelty tradition, these shakers have realistic chased details and glass eyes that turn a simple pepperette into a sculptural piece.
Unique features:
- Chased sterling feather detailing
- Colored glass eyes
- Removable pierced head tops
| Period | 1880s–1970s |
| Material | Sterling silver with glass eyes |
| Brand | Richard Comyns |
2
Georg Jensen Pyramid Pattern Shakers
Typically sells for $150–$900
This is a set of four Georg Jensen sterling shakers in the Pyramid pattern. Designed by Harald Nielsen in 1926, it shows highly polished spherical bodies resting on stepped, ribbed bases.
Each shaker has a small, neatly drilled pouring hole on the top, and hallmarked on the base. The design is prized for its hand-finished quality and restrained modern forms.
Key characteristics:
- Hallmarked Danish sterling silver
- Minimalist spherical Pyramid design
- Stepped, ribbed round bases
| Making Period | 1926–1970s |
| Material | Sterling silver |
| Brand | Georg Jensen |
3
J. Tostrup Enamel Figural Shakers
Typically sells for $150–$700
This set is shaped like two stylized women in cone-shaped skirts and blouses coated in glossy white enamel over engine-turned silver.
J. Tostrup of Oslo was among the finest makers of the Norwegian-style enameled silver shakers that mix Scandinavian craftsmanship with guilloché enamel. That’s why the popularity stays high.
Key features:
- Sterling with guilloché enamel
- Norwegian maker’s hallmarks
| Period | 1930s–1960s |
| Material | Sterling silver with guilloché enamel |
| Brand | J. Tostrup |
4
Rosemeade Pottery Jayhawk Shakers
Typically sells for $50–$700
Rosemeade Pottery of Wahpeton, North Dakota, is well known for cute hand-glazed figural shakers, mostly inspired by Midwestern wildlife and regional themes. This rare pair is shaped like the University of Kansas Jayhawk mascot.
You’ll see glossy red heads, deep blue bodies, and golden beaks and feet. Also, check for the Rosemeade stamp on the base.
Notable features:
- Hand-glazed North Dakota pottery
- Wildlife and regional figurals
- Rosemeade sticker or stamp
| Period | 1940–1961 |
| Material | Hand-glazed pottery |
| Brand | Rosemeade Pottery |
5
George III Pierced Silver Salts
Typically sells for $300–$1,000
These silver open salt and pepper sellers with cobalt blue glass liners are among the most sought-after late eighteenth century shakers. Hallmarked Sheffield 1774 by John Holland, this set features oval pierced bodies with swag decoration, crisp beaded rims, and cast ball-and-claw feet.
You can also see plain cartouches for engraving on some sets.
Key features:
- Pierced sterling, cobalt glass liners
- Beaded rims, swag decoration
- Cast ball-and-claw feet
| Period | 1760s–1800 |
| Material | Sterling silver with cobalt glass liners |
| Brand | John Holland (Sheffield) |
6
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Baluster Shakers
Typically sells for $250–$1,000+
With their tall pierced domes and pedestal feet, these Baluster-shaped sterling casters from Tiffany & Co. bring back the Georgian style. Finely engraved scrollwork, elegant lattice and scroll piercing, and urn finials on lid are how you can identify them.
Features to look for:
- Baluster form, pierced domes
- Engraved scroll decoration
- Tiffany & Co. hallmarks
| Period | 1880s–1920s |
| Material | Sterling silver |
| Brand | Tiffany & Co. |
7
S. Kirk & Son Egyptian Revival Repoussé Shakers
Typically sells for $400–$1,500
Floral repoussé is Baltimore silversmith Samuel Kirk & Son’s signature style. It covers silver surfaces with dense, hand-chased flowers and foliage in high relief. The vase-like bodies, ring handles, Greek key bands, and sphinx feet give these pieces an Egyptian Revival flair that collectors love.
Key features:
- Coin silver (90% pure) bodies
- Hand-chased floral repoussé
- Egyptian Revival sphinx feet
- Tall pierced domes
| Making Period | 1850s–1870s |
| Material | Coin silver |
| Brand | S. Kirk & Son |
8
Francis I by Reed and Barton Silver Salt and Pepper
Typically sells for $200 to $800 (pair)
Francis I is a unique silver salt and pepper shaker set that oozes luxury. It showcases a vintage scrolly monogram on its body that displays early 20th-century craftsmanship. Besides, these shakers will be heavier than newer models.
Unique Collectible Features:
- Detailed hand-chased floral decoration
- Wide circular base
- Gold-washed top on the salt shaker
- “Reed and Barton” mark carved at the bottom
| Making Period | 1906 to mid-20th century |
| Brand/Maker | Reed and Barton |
| Material | Sterling Silver |
You can check if your shakers are Sterling or not by using a magnet. If there’s no force, it’s real Sterling. Or tap your shaker with a coin; if it makes a sharp, high-pitched, bell-like noise. It is sterling silver!
9
Mt. Washington Chicken Head Salt & Pepper Shakers
Typically sells for $500 – $1,800 (pair)
These unique salt & pepper shakers have egg-shaped glass chambers with chicken head-shaped removable dispensers on the top. You will see intricate enameled floral patterns in pastel colors on the body!
Rare Features to Spot:
- Off-white (yellowish) glass body
- Dispensing outlets on the top of the heads
- Detailed carving on the chicken head for fur texture
- Flat bottoms for stability
| Year | 1850s – 1880s |
| Style | Victorian |
| Material | Milk Glass |
10
Holt Howard Kitchen Cubs Polar Bear Shakers
Typically sells for $40–$600+
Holt Howard novelty shakers feature cheerful hand-painted ceramic characters imported from Japan during the 1950s and 1960s.
This rare Kitchen Cubs pair features two wide-eyed polar bear cubs with rosy pink ears and blue bow collars, each perched on a sculpted iceberg base edged in pale blue. These are actively collected today for their mid-century American charm.
Key features:
- Hand-painted glazed ceramic figures
- Whimsical wide-eyed character faces
- Holt Howard stamp or label
| Period | 1950s–1960s |
| Brands | Holt Howard |
| Material | Hand-painted glazed ceramic |
11
Georg Jensen Denmark Bernadotte 902 Shakers
Typically sells for $30 – $200 (more for 902 line)
This Sterling Silver Shaker set speaks of minimalist craftsmanship back in the 90s. You will see two simple identical cylindrical shakers with a neat vertical ribbed-design across their heights. This set also comes with two silver salt cellars enameled on the inside, making it valuable!
Key Features to Spot:
- Outlet holes on the top in a cross shape
- Steel screw lids at the bottom
- Brand markings, “902,” “Denmark,” “Sterling,” and numbers carved on the bottom lids
| Age | 1900s – 1940s |
| Brand/Maker | Georg Jensen |
| Material | Sterling Silver |
12
Anthropomorphic Chipmunks Salt & Pepper Shaker
Typically sells for $600 – $700
Vintage anthropomorphic salt and pepper shakers are quite attractive in antique markets. The reason? Their hand-crafted realistic features! This ceramic Chipmunk-style salt and pepper shaker showcases refined hand-crafting in detailed eyes, mouth, and other features.
Notable Features to Look For:
- A black hat on the pepper shaker and a yellowish, cream-colored hat on the salt shaker
- A colorful bow at the neck of the shakers
- Roughy carved outlets on the hats
- “Japan” printed on the bottom
- Stopper at the base instead of a lid
| Age | 1950s |
| Brand | N/A |
| Material | Ceramic glaze |
13
Egg-Shaped Sterling Silver Shakers
Typically sells for $80 – $400
As the name says, this egg-shaped polished steel shaker is one of the most unique collectibles from the Victorian era. These shakers have shiny, round bodies, round screw-top lids, and round legs.
Important Features to Look For:
- Outlet holes on the top/lid making a star shape
- Three tiny spherical legs at the bottom to form a stand
- A tiny spherical handle on the top/domed lid
- Brand markings (H&T) on the bottom
- No specific engraved patterns on the body
| Making Period | 1850s-1890s |
| Brands | Hilliard & Thomason, William Hutton & Sons |
| Material | Sterling Steel |
14
Japanese Lantern Chamber Salt Pepper Shaker
Typically sells for $120 – $600 (pair)
This Japanese salt and pepper shaker set is quite rare because of its limitedly available lantern style. It literally looks like a Japanese standing stone lantern. So, you’ll see four legs, a thick round top with a small spherical handle surrounded by outlets, and a hexagonal chamber.
Notable Features:
- Artificial shoji windows and two Mon combs on the main chamber
- Brand name engraved on the base
| Period | 1900s |
| Brand/Maker | N/A |
| Material | Sterling Silver 921 |
15
Holt Howard Snow Baby Salt and Pepper Shakers
Typically sells for $100 – $400
As the name suggests, this is a snow baby figurine salt and pepper shaker set perfect for a thematic collection. It features two snow babies covered in white with bright red gloves. You will also see handpainted S and P letters on the salt and pepper shakers, respectively.
Unique features to Spot:
- Clumsy hand-painted design
- Uneven outlet holes on the baby’s head
- A blue-colored print on the shakers’ back
| Making Period | Late 1950s |
| Brand | Holt Howard |
| Material | Ceramic |
16
Noritake Japan Flapper Ladies Salt and Pepper Shakers
Typically sells for $300 – $400
These Japanese lusterware shakers are extremely adorable and rare. Featuring the flapper lady style, these hand-painted shakers give a nostalgic feel. You can spot these with their uneven egg-like shape with a small flat round base with the stopper.
Identification Features for Help:
- Flapper hats on the top
- Heart-shaped mouths and spit curls on the face
- Cork stopped at the bottom
- “Noritake” printed (in Japanese) on the stoppers
| Age | 1920s – 1949 |
| Brand | Noritake |
| Material | Ceramic |
17
McKee Glass Roman Arches Shakers
Typically sells for $40–$500
Bold blue polka dots and flowing script lettering make this a rare McKee’s Roman Arch pair. It’s molded in opaque custard glass with stepped arched sides and aluminum lids.
These shakers were made for stovetop use, and dotted examples are far scarcer than plain or lettered versions.
Key features:
- Stepped Roman arch side panels
- Script “Salt” and “Pepper” lettering
- Rare blue dot decoration
| Period | 1930s–1940s |
| Material | Opaque custard glass with aluminum lids |
| Brand | McKee Glass Company |
18
Gucci Pewter Quail Bird Shakers
Typically sells for $400–$1,000 (with box)
During the 1970s, Gucci produced realistic animal-shaped salt pepper shakers. This vintage pair is shaped like two nestling quails with finely textured overlapping feathers and pierced heads.
These came with a brown fitted Gucci case, lined in green velvet, which adds strong collector appeal and boost value.
Key features to note:
- Realistic textured feather detailing
- Figural nestling quail forms
- Original fitted presentation case
| Making Period | 1960s–1980s |
| Material | Pewter |
| Brand | Gucci |
If you’re looking for the perfect vintage tableware set, this exclusive list is enough for you to get the rarest and most unique set of salt and pepper shakers. Just don’t forget to verify the key features to avoid making an unprofitable purchase!
Apart from valuable shakers, you can also add rare Milk glass pieces to your collection to make it even more high-end! And my guide will help you make the best bids!
Note: This article is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Some images are illustrative and may not represent actual brands, products, or related entities. All trademarks, product names, brand logos, packaging, and other intellectual property referenced remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. Any brand mentions or references are provided solely for descriptive and educational context and do not imply any formal or commercial association.
