Advertising Salt and Pepper Shakers
By Frances Harris

Salt and Pepper shaker collecting is a fairly new subject in the collectors’ world but this fascinating subject knows no end – no limit. There is always something different to see and find. Nobody knows or has seen it all. That is what makes it so interesting. Here Frances Harris shares her knowledge of advertising shakers.

In any area of collecting you find the advertising section high on the list for value. The obvious items, i.e. those marked with product or maker’s name, are not too easy to find, and when once found remain hidden away in collections. Less obvious items can be overlooked at first by not realising the advertising quality. The Ken-L-Raiton yellow dog and black cat set made in plastic by F& F Mold & Dye Work Co. of Ohio in the 1950s is a good example. Probably recognised quickly in the USA but fairly unknown in Britain. Also made in the same company, were Aunt Jemima and Uncle Mose, given away in exchange for box tops from Quaker pancake mix. In the same series you will find spice jars, cookie jar and a syrup pitcher. The salt and pepper shakers were produced in two sizes – 3 ½ ” and 5 ½”. Beer bottles were made to promote breweries and may be given away by the individual public houses. Look for the ones with metal tops, and the name MUTH in the base as they are worth more. Petrol companies did the same with petrol pumps and may have had the garage name on a label.

Bullets made to promote ammunition companies had actual shell bases, with red bakelite casings. The holes in the shape of S and P were in the top. From a distance I was once asked “Are they lipsticks?” You can get a pleasant one-piece modern salt and pepper from the Happy Eater chain, not too dear and which may be of interest in years to come. I’ve kept mine in the original box for this reason. This area is fascinating for those interested in products long forgotten, but of course, the older and more unusual sets will command a high price. Advertising items will almost definitely appreciate in value over the years. Expect to pay £10 ($16) or more in this section. Two original Wade Tetley tea men were bought from Stoke on Trent for £14 ($23). They are now worth between £80-£100 ($128-$160). A Home Pride ceramic flour grader with the flour bags either side such as that shown in the picture was bought for £12 ($19) and is now worth the same as the tea men.

Article extracted from ‘An Introduction to Novelty Salt and Pepper Shakers’ by Frances Harris, Treasure of The British Novelty Salt & Pepper Collectors Club.