Monday, January 22, 2007

Salt and Pepper Collections





Years ago, when I first heard that someone collected salt and pepper sets, I was a bit dumbfounded. “Why would anyone want to hoard such dull things?” I naively thought. Little did I know at the time that salt and pepper sets weren’t just the standard glass or ceramic restaurant-style sets I’d always known. In fact, there’s an endless number of unique styles, shapes and colors, many of which are more like artistic miniatures than utilitarian shakers. These can add a touch of charm, class or even whimsy to a table, or they can be displayed as a collection unto themselves.

The decision as to what types of shakers to collect is as individual as the collectors themselves. You can focus on a particular maker like Nippon, Meissen, or Noritake, a certain color or type of finish such as lustre, a specific era like Depression, a subcategory such as birds, people, holiday, souvenir, huggers, or just any “must haves” for your own collection even if there’s no common theme…the list goes on and on. No matter what you choose, there’s one thing that’s certain – collecting salt and pepper shakers is fun…and affordable.

For those who love salt and pepper sets, it can be a pretty addictive hobby (but in a good way!). I’ve read about collectors with hundreds and even thousands of salt and pepper shaker sets in their collection, and somehow they manage to display every single one! One good way to keep track of your collection is to catalog each set – this can also help you avoid wasting money on a duplicate of a set you forgot you already had.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be discussing more specific types of salt and pepper collections such as novelty shakers, nesting shakers, glass range sets, Depression shakers etc - even a bit about spice sets. I’ll also recommend web sites for those who are interested in these lovely collectibles. Feel free to add comments about any unusual shaker sets of your own!
You'll find a good selection of all types of salt and pepper shakers at Collector's Cottage - just click on the link in the right-hand sidebar.

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