Don’t overlook those dusty shaker sets in your grandma’s cupboard! Collectible salt and pepper shakers are a surprisingly valuable niche in the vintage market. From novelty 1950s ceramics to rare character-themed sets, some of these tiny table staples have sold for hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Here’s a countdown of 10 shaker sets that could turn your kitchen shelf into a goldmine.
10. Avon Cape Cod Collection
Made to resemble 19th-century pressed glass, Avon’s Cape Cod shaker sets were a popular product in the 1970s. The deep red glass and detailed patterning appeal to both Avon memorabilia collectors and kitchenware enthusiasts. While not rare, they’re a perfect example of collectible salt and pepper shakers that hold nostalgic value and modest resale potential.
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9. Plastic Kitsch Animals
These colorful plastic animals, often poodles, ducks, or cows, captured the playful vibe of the 1950s. While they were mass-produced, many have not survived in good condition. Original packaging, bright color retention, and intact stoppers can increase value. They’re especially appealing to collectors who specialize in mid-century appeal.
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8. Disney Character Sets
Official Disney shaker sets featuring Mickey, Donald, or Bambi are beloved for their crossover appeal. Most valuable are early ceramic sets made in Japan during the 1950s–60s, which often came in themed sets for holidays or films. Their consistent fan base means they rarely lose value.
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7. California Pottery Shakers
Bright, bold, and unmistakably Californian, shaker sets from brands like Bauer, Vernon Kilns, and Metlox represent Americana. Common motifs include fruits, animals, or modern art-inspired patterns. The combination of artistry and functionality makes them attractive additions to many collections.
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6. Anthropomorphic Vegetable Sets
Who wouldn’t smile at a pair of shakers shaped like a dancing carrot and laughing onion? These postwar ceramic sets were primarily made in Japan and are among the most whimsical collectible salt and pepper shakers. Their cartoonish faces and vibrant glazes remain popular with fans of vintage novelty kitchenware.
5. Holt Howard Pixieware Shakers
Known for its signature mid-century aesthetic, Holt Howard created whimsical shakers with faces and pointy hats that embodied the “atomic” design era. These shakers are now in high demand due to their quirky charm and limited availability. Look for sets marked with the HH logo and original boxes for top dollar.
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4. McCoy Pottery Shakers
McCoy is a legendary name in American pottery, and its salt and pepper shakers are just as beloved as its vases and cookie jars. Designs often featured fruit, animals, or charming rustic themes. Because McCoy stopped production in the 1990s, many of their shaker sets are now considered rare finds. Pristine condition and matching sets can fetch serious cash, especially among collectors of collectible salt and pepper shakers who specialize in vintage American ceramics.
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3. Lefton Bluebirds
These cheerful bluebirds, often perched on a branch or leaning toward one another, are among Lefton’s most iconic shaker designs. Crafted in Japan with delicate detailing and soft pastel glazes, they are a go-to for collectors of collectible salt and pepper shakers with a romantic or nature theme.
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2. Sterling Silver Shaker Sets
Elegance meets function in vintage sterling silver shaker sets. Brands like Tiffany & Co., Gorham, and Reed & Barton made fine silver tableware during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Not only do they have collectible value, but they also hold intrinsic value based on silver content alone.
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1. Napco Christmas Angels
The holy grail of collectible salt and pepper shakers, these 1950s Napco angels are decked out in festive gowns with tiny wings and glitter details. Sets that include intact gold foil stickers or original boxes can demand over $600. Their seasonal rarity and handmade quality make them a prized possession among vintage Christmas collectors.