Hen on Nest Salt Cellar Value Guide

The Hen on Nest salt cellar is a quintessential piece of 1930s Americana, representing domestic resilience during the Great Depression. These miniature glass treasures are highly collectible due to their intricate molding and the wide variety of vibrant colors produced by various U.S. glassworks.

What Is Hen on Nest Salt Cellar Worth?

The typical price range for Hen on Nest Salt Cellar is $30 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Rarity of the glass color, with certain Depression-era hues commanding higher prices than standard clear glass.
• The presence of both the original lid and base in undamaged condition, as sets are frequently separated.
• The intricacy of the pattern and the specific manufacturer, as some American glass companies are more sought after by collectors.
• Overall physical condition, specifically looking for chips on the 'beak' or the inner rim of the nest.

How to Identify Hen on Nest Salt Cellar?

• Check for the characteristic miniature scale specifically designed to hold individual servings of table salt.
• Examine the glass for period-correct colors like amber, cobalt, or milk glass common in the 1930s.
• Look for a two-piece construction where the hen acts as a removable lid for the nest-shaped base.
• Inspect the molding detail on the feathers and the basketweave pattern on the nest for sharp, defined edges.

History of Hen on Nest Salt Cellar

Hen on Nest covered dishes have a long history, dating back to the 19th century in both Europe and America. They became particularly popular during the American Depression era as an affordable decorative item and a symbol of domesticity and resilience. Many different companies produced variations, with some featuring intricate patterns and vibrant colors, making them highly collectible today.