Questions about selling antique and vintage salt shakers

I'm thinking of selling a few antique and vintage glass salt and pepper shakers (sorry I don't have pics yet) and have a few questions, please.

If the shaker has a metal top that's plain and it's in bad shape, is it better to replace the top with something new that's similar before trying to sell the shaker?

I assume if the top is decorative it's better to keep it with the shaker even if the top is damaged?

What if a shaker doesn't have a top... should I buy a new top for it before selling it?

Also, how much do salt shaker collectors usually care about broken glass along the rim?

TIA for any perspective...

 

Broken glass on the rim is common and of little concern. I would not buy any tops as the one you have may not be the original style. Also many collectors have a supply of replacement tops that they have acquired ofveer the years.

 

Thanks so much, George, for the advice and info. That will make things easier when I go to sell them.

Is there a good website on the history of salt shakers and/or that shows many examples?

 

There is (or used to be) a national Salt shaker Club. Sorry, I cannot offer a link, but a Google search should turn it up.

 

Thanks, CherryHill.

I saw a couple of old references to a national salt shaker club, but it looks like it may either no longer exist or isn't online.

I did find this, though, that looks helpful...
http://www.antiquesaltshakers2.com/

Also, who knew there's actually a Salt & Pepper Shaker museum?
https://smokymountains.com/gatlinburg/things-to-do/salt-pepper-shaker-museum/

 

There is a Shaker Facebook group.

 

Cool. Thanks, George.