Casters
Antique Silver Casters didn’t become common household objects until the late 17th century. They were made in varying sizes and designs and were usually for sugar or pepper although the Blind Caster, the earliest form of mustard pot, was used for dry mustard. The old spelling “castor” is not in frequent use currently and generally speaking, the term “caster” is only used now for sugar. During the 18th century, casters were often produced in sets of three for sugar and two types of pepper. As granulated sugar is a more modern development, the early Sugar Castors had larger holes necessary for crushed sugar. Sugar casters are also referred to as “muffineers”.
Casters
Antique Silver Casters didn’t become common household objects until the late 17th century. They were made in varying sizes and designs and were usually for sugar or pepper although the Blind Caster, the earliest form of mustard pot, was used for dry mustard. The old spelling “castor” is not in frequent use currently and generally speaking, the term “caster” is only used now for sugar. During the 18th century, casters were often produced in sets of three for sugar and two types of pepper. As granulated sugar is a more modern development, the early Sugar Castors had larger holes necessary for crushed sugar. Sugar casters are also referred to as “muffineers”.
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1686
Clemont Stoner
10425 James II Antique Silver Caster
£6,750
It’s rare to find such an early example of this large size and weight. The late 17th century silver muffineer is in the traditional lighthouse design and has a bayonet fitting, typical of these very early casters. The base is plain styled with a broad gadroon band, the top is simply pierced, the holes are quite large as crushed loaf sugar was still in use at this early date. Hand engraved to the front is an armorial crest with initials below. Weight 381g, 12.2 troy oz. Height 20cm, 8ins. Diameter 9.6cm, 3.75ins. London 1686. Maker Clemont Stoner. Sterling silver.
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1718
John Fawdery I
10345 George I Antique Silver Caster
£1,950
An antique silver sugar caster (muffineer) from the early 1700 period in the desirable octagonal shape. The pull off top has panels of pierced decoration. Hand engraved to the front is a decorative cartouche containing a family armorial. Weight 361 grams, 11.6 troy oz. Height 21 cm. London 1718. Maker John Fawdery I. Britannia standard silver 95.8% purity.
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1738
Samuel Wood
10327 George II Silver Warwick Cruet
Sold
A handsome antique silver cruet set with a matching set of 3 silver casters and 2 silver and faceted crystal oil and vinegar bottles. The cinquefoil frame has 4 shell feet and a shaped decorative cartouche to the front with a hand engraved armorial. Each caster and bottle bears the same matching crest. Total weight of silver 1288 grams, 41.4 troy ounces. Caster height 17.75cm and 14cm. Bottle height 17cm. London 1738. Maker Samuel Wood, known for his silver casters.
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1761 - 1764
John Delmester
10390 George III Antique Silver Warwick Cruet
£3,350
A handsome antique silver cruet set with a matching set of 3 silver casters and 2 silver topped and faceted crystal oil and vinegar bottles. The cinquefoil frame has 4 shell feet and a shaped decorative cartouche containing a hand engraved armorial. An unusual feature is that one small caster has been fitted with a plain inner sleeve; this is known as a “blind caster” which is the earliest form of mustard pot. Total weight of silver 1498 grams, 48.1 troy ounces. Caster height 19.5 and 16 cm, bottle height 18.3 cm, each with a matching hand engraved crest. Casters London 1764, frame London 1761. Maker John Delmester.
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1766
Richard Palmer
8293 George III Silver Caster
£450
A plain style antique silver castor with pierced top and spiral finial. Solid chunky weight and feels good in the hand. The top is fitted with an inner lining to reduce the size of the holes making the caster more suitable for modern day (finer ground) condiments. Weight 177 grams, 5.6 troy ounces. Height 14.8 cms. London 1766. Maker Richard Palmer. Sterling silver.
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1926
Crichton Brothers
9218 Antique Silver Castor
£950
A fine quality sterling silver sugar castor in the George II Huguenot style. Cast silver. The chased detail is superb. The pierced pull off top is engraved with face masks and baskets of flowers. The body has dolphin supports, ribbon and reed borders, and shell motifs. Weight 410 grams, 13.1 troy ounces. Height 18 cms. London 1926. Maker Crichton Brothers who specialised in fine quality copies of early English silver.
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