An exceptional modernist silver condiment set

Price: Sold

For sale is this rare and exceptional modernist silver condiment set comprising mustard, salt and pepper, with tray and original spoon.

They are very much in the spirit of the age, Devlin like, and dated 1971. This set is not, however, by Devlin, and is designed with unusual silver brutalist “feet” to the base.  It is exceptionally well made with immaculate screw tops to the lids, a silver gilt liner to the mustard and a tray with gilding to the base.  The set is in fact made by Keith John Thompson, with makers mark KJT registered at the Sheffield assay office in 1954.

The obscure Thompson (1929-1990) worked from his home near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.  It is not clear if he was a skilled amateur or professional.  His work is so rare it is tempting to assume the former, but I think possible he was a professional smith who worked for one of the major firms but produced his own pieces as a part time business. His will explicitly states the following:

“I leave to xxx the tools equipment and stock relating to my part time business of gold and silversmith….”

The set is made of a heavy gauge of silver and in excellent condition.  All pieces are correctly fully or part marked.

Maker: Keith John Thompson

Designer: Keith John Thompson

Date: 1971

Marks: KJT, Sheffield, date letter “M”

Material: Sterling silver

Condition: Excellent

Size: 16.5 cm wide (tray), 9.75 cm high (pepper)

Weight : 458 grams, 16.2 oz