Probably Italian, Rome, circa 1568

inscribed: BONVS / PASTOR / ANIMAM / SVAM / DAT . PRO / OVIBUS . SVIS (The Good Shepherd gives his spirit for his flock) and: ST' EPIFAN / P'P' ORDINIS / CANONICOR / REGVALRIVM / LATERANENSIVM

Overall the condition of the metal is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The Saints are cast separately and set in. There is wear to the gilding throughout and oxidation to the silver consistent with material. There are small nicks and scratches throughout, including a large restored nick to the top above the saint holding an open book. There are a few further small restorations, including to the top. There are a number of small fissures to the metal, including to the niches in which the saints stand, and to the underside. The inkwell is made in sections, joints are visible, some of which are open but stable. The well itself may be replaced. There are a few white residues.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Hexagonal salts, both secular and sacred, can be found throughout Europe and across a range of styles. See for example a painted enamel salt from Limoges in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 8427-1863) and a copper Spanish Gothic example in the Lazaro Galdiano Foundation (Cruz Valdovinos, op. cit.,p. 323).

The inscription on the lower frieze of the vessel suggests it belonged to the Canons Regular of the Lateran, priests who modelled their ideals on Saint Augustine and lived communally with town inhabitants, rather than monastically. The present salt might therefore have been used in public ministry where salt was mixed with water for holy water, a practice specific to the Roman Catholic Church. While ST' EPIFAN' could allude to Saint Epiphanius, a Cypriotic bishop, who was occasionally associated with the Canons Regular of the Lateran, it is more likely that the present salt is honouring a local member of their order named Epiphanus or Epiphanius.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. M. Cruz Valdovinos, Platería en la fundación Lázaro Galdiano, 2000, Madrid, no. 147, p. 323