These salt cellars feature an engraved image of Dom Kirken, otherwise known as Bergen Cathedral, on the inside. The image is shown in reverse on the bottom of each piece. The engraving is marked on the lower left with the code 830S indicating Continental grade silver and what appears to be the maker’s mark for Magnus Aase in the lower right. Magnus Aase was a highly regarded silversmith in Bergen, Norway, who established his business in 1899. He and his brother Knut took over the Theodore Olsen shop in 1903 following the death of its founder. The company has had a long and storied history, involving some of Norway’s premier silversmiths, and continues to this day as Arven. The silver salt cellars are in excellent vintage condition. There are no dents and only light surface scratching consistent with age and use. The salts come with clear glass liners with scalloped edges. These too are in very fine shape, with the exception of a chip out of the pointy end on one of them. The last component of this excellent set is a pair of salt spoons featuring white guilloche enamel. The enamel on the back of the spoons is in the design of a scallop shell. These spoons bear tiny hallmarks indicating that they are Sterling silver (925S mark) and what appears to be a maker’s mark. I have made a good faith effort but have been unable to identify the mark. I believe that the spoons, which are also in excellent condition, to be a marriage with the salts, but it is a solid pairing. This attractive set, displaying the charm and craft of Scandinavian silversmiths at its finest, would be sure to enhance any table and elevate your dining experience.
