Ray and Diane Ginns  ©
Figural Pepper Pots 1830-1900  
                  
                                               
                             
The Victorians must have started the craze for potting gentlemen and
lady folk for our table condiments.  Before this date most of the figural
shakers I have seen have been used for dusting gent's wigs or for ladies
hatpin holders.  There are a selection of naval and military models with
wide shoulders and medals on chest.  Toby like figures in male and
female versions, Punch and Judy characters and representatives of the law.

 A complete set of condiments would consist of four portly gentlemen,
 pepper, salt, mustard and vinegar, with some having detachable hats. 
These would enhance any table and are something different from the 
fine creamware cruets and stands that graced the larger house tables 
of the day.
             
                  
  A set of Staffordshire condiments circa 1850              A set of willow condiments circa 1830-1900
    
The Prestonpans Scottish factory first produced condiments with
 good colour, cobalt blue coats, with hats and bases trimmed with the 
willow design.  This was soon copied by the Staffordshire factories
and was made up until the 20th century.  Most common to survive 
 is the pepper pot, probably unwashed it has come though unscathed.
Salt would have been sprinkled with fingers, so a gent with a basket 
on his head would have been top heavy and easily knocked over.

                        
Roger Giles circa 1830                   Military man circa 1870                 Roger Giles circa 1830

Roger Giles is always a topic of conversation, a seated gentleman
relieving himself.
 References say:
He was a Devonshire schoolteacher who placed an advert in his local
news paper to sell his fresh eggs "new laid by him every day."  
Always looking for interesting news items to pot, the Staffordshire 
factories potted him laying his own eggs.  The two Roger Giles
 pictures shown above are in an earlier Prattware palette.

                                                                                                                    zz A selection of condiments circa 1850-1900              A selection of condiments circa 1860-1890

                
A collection of Staffordshire inkwells, condiments and whatnot jars. Circa 1860-1870 

Inkwell and whatnot jars were also potted alongside the condiments,
 they represent snuff takers seated and round portly ladies and 
 gentlemen as jars whose hats are detachable.  All these in a wonderful
richness of enamel colour and underglaze cobalt blue coats; their size 
and character sit well and always complements a pepper pot collection.