Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1207269
It is said that salt "shakers" were invented in 1858 by John Mason, the man who invented the screw-top Mason jar. He created a receptacle to hold salt that would evenly distribute it on food by shaking it through sev- eral holes punched into a tin cap. But, it was some 50 years later, when the Morton Salt Company of Chicago added magnesium carbonate to their product to make it flow, not clump, that the salt shaker can truly be said to have been born. Collectors of today look for labels that reflect companies such as McCoy, Lefton, Unesco and Holt-Howard. Each produced distinctive styles such as shakers in the form of vegetables, flowers, animals of all types, and the whimsical "nodders," all combining function with a dose of whimsy. Old Japan marks or Japan paper labels on bottoms of shakers are also sought after, as Japan was famous for "knocking off " fine German exam- ples, and today have their own following, particularly those marked "Made in Occupied Japan." That time in history after the end of the war, 1947- 1952, is distinctive in that items coming from Japan were required to be stamped in that manner, making it easy to date pieces for collection value. But, it was the kitschy, catchy '40s and '50s cookie jar era of campy table- cloths, vinyl chairs and soda fountains, that became a reflection of their time. Americans were influenced by the rock 'n roll inspiration of the juke- box, Elvis and Chubby Checker, whose appeal began with an obsession with fame and celebrity in film and television. It was a time where figural salt and pepper shakers could be seen in the kitchen of "I Love Lucy" and in every movie of that era; from South Pacific's Hawaiian-themed shakers to that cult favorite ice cream sundae from an episode of "Happy Days." Collecting them is addictive. The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum in the Smoky Mountains, which houses over 20,000 sets from the 1500s to pres- ent time, is a dazzling display of America's favorite collectible in a celebra- tion of love and passion by one collector. In the perpetual collision with everyday life, we collect what moves us. It's not always about perceived value, but instead, what makes us stop and smile and reflect, while having a moment with some memory from our past that creates that twinkle. These zany, charming little shakers often have that effect. Marjorie Snow is a published writer and photographer with a vast knowl- edge of antiques and their history. Snow was the owner of Terra Cotta in Las Vegas, an exclusive architectural vintage gallery, which has been featured in numerous West Coast magazines. A collector's favorite of mixed pottery vegetables, fruit and fruit baskets, make for a delicious search in quest of these rarities. C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 95 The romance of pottery floral shakers. Some hand-painted while others delicately embellished with flowers and gold gilt trim.