A pair of sterling silver salt and pepper shakers in the form of chauffeurs in full uniform.  This pair of exceptionally rare shakers are lightly weighted at the base to keep them well waited to the table.  Both of the figures are wonderfully executed with a large amount of hand engraved work to the bodies.  For example, all of the coat buttons and sleeve details are all applied to the sterling body by hand.  The driving goggles on the heads of both the figures are also hand made and applied to the heads.  There is also a small engraved nose and mouth under the goggles giving both of the drivers a great personality.

The outfits of the chauffeurs was common attire during this very early, pioneering time of the motor car.  The motor car, at this time, was only really accessible to the world's elite.  The cost and upkeep required was very prohibitive to most, and as a result of which, many wealthy owners decided not to drive themselves.  Instead, they employed the services of a chauffeur.  A number of cars at this time had an unprotected cabin for the driver, while the wealthy owner would have been well protected in the rear, with many luxury comforts.  As a result of this, a large and heavy, often waxed cotton, or leather and shearling coat was worn by drivers, and goggles were also a necessity.  Any windscreen that may have been fitted to a car would have offered little overall protection for the exposed driver.

These wonderfully charming pair of shakers really capture these early days of motoring, and are whimsical in their almost cartoon like forms.  It is especially hard to find n original pair in this unused condition.  To fill them, simply remove the heads. The shakers were made by silversmiths Cornelius Desormeaux and Francis Shepherd in Chester, England in 1907.  They have been reproduced toward the end of the twentieth century, however the execution of the re-issue is lackluster, and compare not to these originals.  The condition is excellent throughout, and they come in the original fitted box.  A perfect table companion for any motor enthusiast.