Pottery canisters gained popularity in the late Victorian era. Made of somewhat fragile porcelain, it is amazing that these sets still exist in decent condition today. Unlike the “show” kitchens that exist today, the Victorian kitchen was used daily…no fast food in the early 1900s…but these sets represent the elegance of the times with the concept of usefulness as well.
The canisters were imported in large quantities in the early 1900s from Germany and Czechoslovakia. The sets averaged 13 pieces and were advertised in a Sear Catolog as a cereal set that included oatmeal, rice, prunes, sugar, coffee, tea as well as spices: cloves, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. The price tag in 1908 was $2.69 which is about $143 in today's world. So, these sets probably found their way into upper class homes. Note the set above the stove in this photo.
The saltbox was sold separately, and, because it saw heavy use, many of them probably did not survive as well as the canisters. Some sets also included oil and vinegar, and the lids were either porcelain or cork. The set in my shop does not have the lids so I believe they were probably porcelain and did not survive.
You can tell the age of the sets by the marks. Starting around 1910, the United States began wanting foreign manufacturers to be more specific with this identification and, over the years, those labels or marks went from just “France,” “England” or “German” (and so forth) to “Made in France,” “Made in England” and “Made in Germany.”
Right now these canister sets are affordable again. A decade ago they could command $400 and $500, but now you can buy sets for less $100 or $200 depending on the condition and how complete the set is. Again...a look back at the romance of the kitchen. We have all the latest technology in our kitchens today, but have we sacrificed some of the charm and beauty? Or, does a canister set on the counter give us the best of all worlds?
