Antique Center

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It seems that the Victorian hostess had something for everything.  More was better! No food item in the house escaped a special utensil or container for its specific usage.  There were castor sets for salt, pepper, oil, vinegar, mustard, and sometimes ketchup; individual napkin rings for each person's cloth napkin; celery vases just for celery; fruit bowls given to brides that became known as bride's baskets; ornate epergnes for serving sweet meats and fruits;  thimble holders; toothpick holders; match holders; fish and game sets in hand-painted china with appropriate silver flatware and serving pieces; condensed milk servers; plus innumerable other items, including the ubiquitous pickle castor!
 
Each of these items was often a work of art having unique, yet similar, characteristics which make them such a favorite among collectors today.  All of this came about after the horror and drudgery of the Civil War when Americans were struggling with Reconstruction, a rising middle class due to the Industrial Revolution, new wealth, a growing economy, and a desire for all things new, ornate, showy, and functional. In New England, silver companies were springing up along rivers where water power was available, and accessibility to growing urban markets was convenient.  Glass factories also flourished producing clear and colorful glassware that often was beautifully decorated with hand-painted enameling.  Together these two types of factories produced some outstanding items, many which have survived to this day. Several of the large glass and silver companies merged to form companies that had everything necessary to complete an item.  There was often trading back and forth between companies, and hence one will often find today the same figural character or filigree decoration on items bearing different company logos.

The earliest pickle castors were made by companies such as Meriden in CT, James Tufts in Boston, Pairpoint, Barbour, Reed and Barton, Wilcox, Rogers Brothers, Middletown, etc.  Most frames have those names along with quadruple plate and a stock number stamped on the bottom of the frames. Tufts and Pairpoint were often considered the Cadillacs of the silver companies, but all of them produced stunning pieces. 

A wealth of variation and design appears in the world of pickle castors.  Most consist of a silver-plated frame (sterling frames are rare), often having an ornate footed base, handle with a hook for either a fork or a pair of tongs, and a lid.  Inside the frame sat a glass jar for the pickles.  The earliest were of clear glass, and a wide variety of Early American Pressed Glass designs.  In the 1880's it became extremely desirable to use colored glass for the jars, many of which were elaborately decorated with hand-painted enameling of flowers, vines, birds, fruit, Mary Gregory-style figures in white of boys or girls, geometric designs, and a whole slew of other decorations.  Quite a variety of art glass inserts were made including cranberry, Bohemian glass, green , cobalt, peacock blue, amber, clambroth, peach blow, Crown Milano, vaseline, milk glass,  etc. It seems the more ornate the frame and jar, the more desirable the piece was then -- and now. Frames with Kate Greenaway figures on them are highly sought after pieces.
 
A variety of things should be considered when purchasing a pickle castor.  First and foremost should be the condition.  Of course, it is much more desirable to find one in excellent, original condition.  But since the Victorian hostess would never consider putting anything in less than beautiful condition on her table, it is permissible to have a lovely frame that has been neglected over the years to be restored and re-silvered.  This does not noticeably affect the value.  Other factors to consider are the ornateness of the frame and jar.  Footed frames with colored glass jars are usually more desirable.  Another major thing to look for is to see that the jar fits snugly into the frame, and is not a "marriage."  Often times, jars were broken or lost or separated, and another, often ill-fitting one,  has been substituted.  Also, beware that there are reproductions out there!!  A careful perusal can usually identify the reproduction -- even to a novice.  The new ones have less detail and are more crudely done, the jars show no wear, and there is an overall "new" look to them.  When in doubt, always try to buy from a reputable dealer who is willing to stand behind his/her merchandise.

Pickle castors are a delightful whimsy and can make a beautiful accent to any decor whether it be the more formal Chippendale or Queen Anne,  frilly Victorian, the chic Retro look, or even today's Ikea taste. And they are such fun to use! I guarantee that they will add excitement and bring colorful comments to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner - or any special occasion - when you use your best china and silver.  The Victorian hostess would never set a jar of pickles on the table, so don't you either!