Ebay is a great asset to the modern collector. And while it's easy to figure out what to buy for some collections, salt and pepper shakers can be a bit of a puzzle. What's hot and what's not? Just cute or very collectible? This guide should help take some of the mystery out of collecting what can be considered the 'Gems of the Kitchen Countertop', the lowly salt and pepper shaker. Perhaps the best place to start would be to determine if you're a serious collector or just starting out, because there's something for everyone in the world of collectible shakers.

Quality, Quality, Quality...
Materials and Construction
Age, Rarity and Demand
Genre, Era and Social Relevance
Apprasial and Pricing
Resources
Tips
Care and Feeding of Your Shakers
Keep Searching

Quality, Quality, Quality...

Although quality and condition are an important factor when considering a collectible, it is perhaps the top issue where salt and pepper shakers are concerned. Being such ubiquitous, little objects to start with, a set in an exceptional condition will not only bring top dollar but guarantee a greater return as time goes by. As with most 'rules of thumb', there are some rare exceptions, particularly where issues such as flaws introduced into older materials as they age, or the fading of colors and pigments over time just can't be avoided. Properly stored and/or showcased, salt and pepper shakers generally hold up quite well. And remember, salt itself is a corrosive element, so take care NOT to fill or use the shakers if you purchase them for an investment.

Due to their size, shakers are easy to showcase and enjoy. They almost always capture the attention of anyone who sees them, and with such a tremendous assortment of styles, colors, shapes and materials, they often touch upon the fascination and nostalgia in each of us. From the art of miniature sculpture to the whimsy of bygone eras, collectible salt and pepper shakers are so much more than just convienient containers for common table condiments - they also stir the shy grins and amusing memories held within each of us. 

Materials and Construction

The materials and manfacturing involved with salt and pepper shakers seem almost limitless. Expect to find shakers crafted out of almost anything - from costly crystal and exotic hardwoods to Catalin, Lucite, Melamine, Bandalasta, Linga-Longa(most commonly found in 1950's picnic ware), ceramics, porcelain, clay, and even Beetleware (a light toned material used mostly for plugs and sockets in the 1940's and 1950's).

Mid-century plastics, although often cast heavily enough for durability, can become brittle and discolored if not cared for correctly. They generally exhibit brilliant coloration, and were often painted or silkscreened on; decoration processes which often did not stand up well to the test of time. Depending upon the working temperment of the particular material, some visible seams may be visible (Casting is the term for plastics which start out as a liquid form, while Moulding is a reference to forming a shape using phenolic or other 'dry' powders). Some of the more rigid materials were often cast into generic shapes, such as tubes and sheets, which were then formed by carving and drilling. Quite often, these materials produced unique and artistic surfaces with different amounts of marbleing and translucency difficult to reproduce in any other medium.

A vintage set of shakers in stainless steel with Bakelite base (with mfg. marks) from Chase - approx. $80

Glass materials were also a popular choice for shakers, with materials like Ruby, Jadeite, Amythest and Milkglass, which dates back to the Victorian age. The deep, rich red color of Ruby glass was achieved by adding gold to the glass slurry. Amythest, or 'Black Glass', is often a violet, semi-transluscent glass which appears as a dark, reddish-purple when viewed through a strong light source. Jadeite (or Jadite), a depression-era glass, is opaque and often ranges in color from a very pale green (almost milky) to avacado shades. Veining, or striation, is not uncommon. 

A set of vintage milkglass shakers is still quite affordable - approx. $8-$10

Exotic hardwoods and organics are also found in salt and pepper shakers. Known for their contrasting grains, zebrawood and rosewood are two good examples of dramatic materials sometime used in salt and pepper sets. Due to their expense and difficulty to work with (zebrawood is quite dense), these materials are often used as veneers and laminates - although shakers carved completely of exotic woods are available. Other organic materials such as onyx, mother-of-pearl and even quills and feathers from animals are also used to create collectible, one-of-a-kind shaker sets that often look more like art than kitchen accessory.

(Left) The dramatic grain of Zebrawood is both eyecatching and affordable - approx. $50
(Right) Carved Ivory adds both an exotic and elegant touch - approx. $60

Art crystal and precious metals are another range of materials used to create salt and pepper shakers, and while a set from a top name studio (such as Stuben or Lalique) might demand a price more along the lines of a fine art piece, affordable sets are usually available during limited production runs and are quite often a good investment. Platinum, silver and gold are the upper-crust standards in the metal range, and shakers made from these materials are generally crafted to be showpieces only, as metals tend to corrode due to many environmental factors and, most noteably, silver can be a nuisance to maintain.

(Left) A vintage mid-century Pineda set in silver (hallmarked and signed) - approx. $800
(Right) A set from Fairfax in orchid crystal - approx. $100

Hand made or machine produced, condition and scarcity will still be the motivating factor in determining the price. It's not surprising to discover that a production set of 'Bob's Big Boy' made in Japan during the mid 20th century can command a much higher price than a hand carved, teak and porcupine quill set from Ethiopia. 

Age, Rarity and Demand

Since the bulk of salt and pepper shaker design derives from the current social environment, determining the age of a set shouldn't be a daunting task. As a rule of thumb, salt and pepper shakers can be generally divided into several self-defining catagories - the links below will return a search of Ebay (in a different window) for each category:

Advertising
Figural
Animal
Novelty  (Cartoon/Story figurine, Bobblehead)
Period  (Era specific, i.e., Mid Century, Roaring 20's, etc.)
Masters  (Salt cellars, i.e., bowls, and pepper mills/grinders)
Souvenir

Perhaps the most recognized category is that of the Advertising shakers. Mostly associated with the post-war era, advertising shakers were abundantly produced during those years. From automobiles to television sets, miniature replicas of everyday life were cast and shaped into the common kitchen accutrements that everyone took for granted, and inscribed with with the mantras and mottos that drove the modern industrial world. One of the most popular shaker sets from the venue are the Gasoline Pump sets. It's not unusual to see a vintage set in excellent condition bring upwards of $200 to $300. These clever and collectible pairs have proven that they will only appreciate in value as time goes by. 

Ironically, the price of gaspump sets echo the rising cost of fuel today - approx. $80-$100 +

Another interesting category is the novelty category. Popular characters from well-known and beloved stories or cartoons can surprisingly demand a large price. Just how well-known the character is, as well as how rare the set may be are factors to consider when making a purchase. If the market is getting a fairly steep price, most certainly the set will continue to gain value over time. Thankfully, Ebay makes it easy to comparison shop the collectible market. 

(Left) In demand and good shape, this Paddington bear set is quite collectible - approx. $200 +
(Right) A set of original Mickey Mouse shakers in great condition - approx. $195

Genre, Era and Social Relevance

Shaker sets themed to represent a certain genre or era usually appeal to a specific kind of collector. Both pre and post war sets might appeal to you if you have a strong interest in history. 

'Southern' memorabillia might be what you're looking for if you collect or are curious about this country's early socio-ethnic influences. A popular collectible from this era is known as  Black Americana, and while much of the design from this genre is focused on the lifestyle of the early south (often portraying politically incorrect stereotypes by today's standards), it is just that nostalgic-yet-innocent look back that is attracting many collectors today, from many different social and ethnic backgrounds.

A figural set of  'Black Americana' shakers sells quite well - approx. $85-$110

Once you decide on just what kind of sets you want to collect, key in your interest at any search field on Ebay and see what opportunities reveal themselves. 

Apprasial and Pricing

In general, fair market pricing will set the limits and values of what a particular set is worth. The vast majority of folks in niche collectibles, such as salt and pepper shakers, are usually well-informed about what the market will and will not bear. Keep in mind that the median pricing for a set of shakers is usually between $10 to $40. This makes collecting sets not only affordable but entertaining and enjoyable as well. Remember that collecting salt and pepper shakers from an investment standpoint will require that you are willing to keep them for 5 to 10 years, as the market tends to re-evaluate itself along that schedule. 

If you're collecting for investment purposes, you would probably do well to familarize yourself with the works of studios and foundrys such as Fitz & Floyd, Fenton, Weidlich Bros., Gorham, Fostoria, Hamilton, Fiesta, Fairfaxand Currier and Ives, as well as the individual artists and designers of the periods which interest you.

Collecting shakers is a great 'generational' hobby to introduce to your children, allowing them to gain an insight into the appreciation of art and the art of collecting. 

Resources

Ebay is a wellspring of both items and information when it comes to salt and pepper shakers. A search for Advertising Shakers will return a surprising list of available sets, making it easy to get started today.

For a more in-depth approach, you might try these titles as well:

Salt and Pepper Shakers Volumes I - IV by Helene Guarnaccia

Salt and Pepper Shakers Guides by Larry Carey

The Collector's Encyclopedia of Salt & Pepper Shakers by Melva Davern 

Tips

When purchasing shakers, be headstrong on quality. Look for good details, fired glazes (colorations that won't rub off) and good construction (thick ceramics, treated woods, etc.)

If you want to collect shakers from a particular maker or artist, be informed about their branding marks and where to look for them. Not all valuable shakers will be marked, but the more you know, the better your decision will be.

Insist on accurate photographs of the actual item. Blurry, poor-lit images can often hide small crack and chips. Full view images (a set of all angles - front, back and sides) can help reveal if the shakers have been damaged and/or repaired.

Be sure that the set comes with all of its components, such as plugs and stoppers. Older sets will generally have stoppers manfactured from cork or rubber. Be sure to ask/check about the condition and availability of the stoppers.

Don't hesitate to ask the seller about the shakers. No question is too trivial, and the demeanor of a reply can often help you settle your mind about the integrity of the seller as well. 

Care and Feeding of your Shakers

Nothing lasts forever, but with proper care and handling, your shakers should keep their appeal across generations. If you plan on showcasing your shakers in an open environment, you should dust and clean them using an appropriate cloth or electrostat dusting wand. Unless they require it (such as those composed of silver, brass or tin elements) you should not use a polish or cleaner on them. Some plastic compounds from the mid century are quite sensitive to the ingredients in today's cleaning agents, and polishing buildup is yet another concern.

Also take the time to document your collection, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to you. Building a photo catalog can help you keep track of what you own and what it's worth, and it's much easier to do if you start building your catalog when you begin collecting.

Above all, enjoy the experience. If you only want a few clever knicknacks for the kitchen window sill, or if you're looking to become the art maven of the neighbor pantry, salt and pepper shakers are a fascinating journey waiting to be taken. Whether you're into 'Nesters' (sets that snug into one another), whimsical and anthropomorphic (such as a pair of wine bottles with sly grins), or the amusement of Bobbleheads (just like the name implies) or Go Withs (also called Tag Alongs - sets that are paired as a theme, like a refrigerator and stove set of salt and pepper), be sure to consider Ebay as the 'top shop' in your quest for the perfect set of shakers.  

Keep Searching

Don't underestimate the enormous power behind the search field on every Ebay page. Remember, Ebay's search engine is sensitive to words like 'and', 'or' and 'of'. Searching Ebay using the terms 'Salt Pepper' will return almost 3 times as many items as the terms 'Salt and Pepper'. With the ability to customize and save your searches, search both auction title and content, as well as creating favorite searches which alert you via email when a match occurs, it's easy to shop smart and buy confidently.

And did you remember that you can search Ebay in other countries and languages? How about that priceless crystal shaker set from Paris, or that sleek, hand made set from Sweden? Don't forget, you shop the WORLD on Ebay!