in Egyptian style; circular with anthemion embellished rims, on three stylised paw legs surmounted by winged sphinxes, on a tri-form pedestal base with Greek key borders supported on three ball feet, crested

Good clear marks to each underside. Very nice heavy gauge. Light wear to masks but generally very crisp. Gikded interiors intact. Two fixing screws missing to underside of one salt. Good overall.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The design of these salts is likely to have been by the French artist Jean-Jacques Boileau, who was active in England from 1787; he died after 1851. The Victoria and Albert Museum has a number of drawings by the artist as well as a pair of silver-gilt Egyptian pattern salt cellars, Digby Scott & Benjamin Smith, London, 1806, the design of which has been credited to Boileau (museum no. 29-2005). Smith, a native of Birmingham, was recruited around 1802 to set up a silver factory in Lime Kiln Lane, Greenwich. He and his associates appear to have worked there exclusively for Rundell's until 1807 when the latter formed a similar arrangement with Paul Storr.