A Study in Shaker Tops

The purpose of this post is to give a basic understand of the different types of shaker tops used during the Victorian era. While there are many types and variations, I’m going to illustrate four basic types.

The first starting on the left is your basic screw on top that screws onto moulded thread on the top of the shaker. This type of design is still used today and is the most practical and economical to use.

The second is the classic two piece top of the period. This consisted of a collar and a cap. The collar was cemented to the neck of the shaker using plaster to provide the threads for the perforated cap to screw on to.

The third is a prong type that was a pressure fit that spread out once inserted into the opening of the shaker. This type was used by Mt Washington on some selected designs. This top was rather fragile and a bit difficult to work with.

The forth all the way to the right, is what I call a friction fitted top. This type of top is often found on European made shakers and simply fits tightly onto a smooth collar.

Tops can be made of many types of metal such a brass, nickel, pewter, pot metal. These tops may be plated with nickel, silver or maybe even produced in sterling silver.