Peter Lewis Krider ran a genuinely significant Philadelphia silversmithing operation through the mid-19th century, working in coin silver, a slightly lower fineness standard than sterling that was common in American silver before the industry largely standardised on 925 later in the century. This pair of table salts carries his work in a distinctly Egyptian Revival mode, with palmette engraving covering the inverted baluster bodies, a motif borrowed from ancient Egyptian architecture and decorative art that had a genuine surge of popularity through the 1860's.
The handles are shaped as ram horns, curling outward from each side rather than sitting as a plain loop, which gives the pieces a sculptural quality beyond most table salts of the period. Both interiors are gold-washed, a practical as well as decorative choice, since gilding resists the corrosive effect salt has on plain silver far better than leaving the interior untreated.
Condition notes
Very good antique condition. One pot has a shallow indent and a small ding.
