Pair of Vintage Manganese Glass Salt Cellars with EPNS Handles
Title:
Set of Two Vintage Manganese Glass Salt Cellars in EPNS Stands
Introduction:
This pair of vintage salt cellars, likely from the early 20th century, features manganese glass with a subtle glow and electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) handles, offering a glimpse into historical tableware despite their worn condition.
Key Features:
Design: Each salt cellar stands 7 cm tall within its EPNS stand, featuring a simple, open bowl shape typical of individual salt servings. The metal handles are intricately crafted, adding a touch of elegance to the translucent green glass.
Material: Made from manganese glass, which gives a faint fluorescence under UV light, less vivid than uranium glass, paired with silver-plated EPNS stands.
Glow: Exhibits a subtle glow under UV light due to manganese content, distinguishing it from the brighter fluorescence of uranium glass.
Style: Reflects an early 20th-century aesthetic, possibly influenced by Art Deco simplicity and functionality.
Condition:
Both pieces show age-related wear, with chips on the glass rims indicating use over time. The EPNS handles remain intact, though they may exhibit minor tarnish typical of vintage silver plating.
Historical Background:
Manganese glass was used as an alternative to uranium glass in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often for similar decorative items like salt cellars, popular during a time when open salts were a dining staple.
Usage and Function:
Originally designed for serving salt, these cellars now serve best as decorative collectibles due to their chipped state.
Collectibility:
Appealing to collectors of vintage glassware or tableware, these manganese pieces, though not uranium, hold value for their age and EPNS detailing despite their condition.
