‘Mr. Popple’ Pepper and Mustard pots by Saunders & Shepherd, 1906

Saunders & Shepherd of Chester

A stylish 1906 Sterling silver pepper pot in the form of an Edwardian motorist, in stylized motoring attire, with a head that detaches for filling, and a weighted circular base. The design is affectionately known as the ‘Mr. Popple’, the pot bears makers marks for Saunders & Shepherd, and Chester hallmarks for 1906, with design registration number 490421.

Height: 3½ inches (9 cm)

REFERENCE: 6862
Price Code: SOLD

The Pepper pot is flanked by a pair of diminutive mustard pots of the same design, the motorists head removing to reveal a silver spoon affixed to the inside of the cap. Similarly hallmarked 1906 and bearing corresponding design numbers.

Height of each: 2½ inches (6 cm)

REFERENCE: 6861
Price Code: SOLD

The design of these novelty condiment pots recalls a brief moment in motoring history when drivers and passengers in their open cars wore specially tailored motoring outfits complete with caps and goggles. The craze for special motoring garb was immortalised in popular media of the time, such as the number ‘The Motor Carnival‘ in ‘Mr Popple (of Ippleton)‘, a musical comedy by Paul Rubens, first staged in London in 1905.

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