This pair of sterling silver open salts and spoons, complete in presentation case, was made by the silversmith Joseph Hankins, and assayed in Birmingham in 1896.
The shell shaped salts stand on four ball feet. The spoons are also shell shaped, with barley twist handles and ball finials, which echo the ball feet of the salts.
The interior of the salts and the bowls of the spoons are gilded.
There are no dents or splits, and the gilding, while intact, is somewhat tarnished in places.
The case has scuff marks, chiefly on the edges.and on the bottom.
The hallmarks are clear. and each piece is fully hallmarked.
Measurements:
Salts: (Length x breadth x height) 6.8 x 4.5 x 2.6 cm
Spoons (Length x width) 6.2 x 1.5 cm
Case: 19.0 x 7.8 x 4.0 cm
The total weight is 35.5 gm
Hallmarks:
Maker: JH for Joseph Hankins
Assay: Lion Passant for Sterling Silver
Date: lower case "w" for 1896
Town: Anchor for Birmingham












