Sugar
Browse our collection of antique silver Sugar Bowls, Baskets and Casters, some of which date back to the late 17th century when tea started to become a domestic commodity.
Early sugar bowls, like the small size teapot, were of small capacity due to the rarity of tea. Small circular bowls from the late 17th century can occasionally be found, these were probably tea bowls originally but by 1710 the sugar bowl started to appear. These often had a cover which could be inverted for use as a saucer or spoon tray. Usually these early sugar bowls are round however octagonal examples are very rare and extremely desirable. Around 1730 larger bowls were introduced, possibly for slops.
By the 1760s the swing handled sugar baskets and sweetmeat baskets were available.
Cream Pails c.1760-1820 are small silver containers with top or side handle which are useful for both sugar or cream.
Sugar Casters. Antique Silver Casters didn’t become common household objects until the late 17th century. 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 earlier Sugar Castors had larger holes necessary for crushed sugar.
The Sugar Vase is so called because there are sets of this type known, with companion sugar sifters, which hook over the scroll handles when not in use. They often come in sets of three of which two would be used as tea caddies and another one for sugar. Nowadays these are ideal for use with flowers.
Sugar
Browse our collection of antique silver Sugar Bowls, Baskets and Casters, some of which date back to the late 17th century when tea started to become a domestic commodity.
Early sugar bowls, like the small size teapot, were of small capacity due to the rarity of tea. Small circular bowls from the late 17th century can occasionally be found, these were probably tea bowls originally but by 1710 the sugar bowl started to appear. These often had a cover which could be inverted for use as a saucer or spoon tray. Usually these early sugar bowls are round however octagonal examples are very rare and extremely desirable. Around 1730 larger bowls were introduced, possibly for slops.
By the 1760s the swing handled sugar baskets and sweetmeat baskets were available.
Cream Pails c.1760-1820 are small silver containers with top or side handle which are useful for both sugar or cream.
Sugar Casters. Antique Silver Casters didn’t become common household objects until the late 17th century. 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 earlier Sugar Castors had larger holes necessary for crushed sugar.
The Sugar Vase is so called because there are sets of this type known, with companion sugar sifters, which hook over the scroll handles when not in use. They often come in sets of three of which two would be used as tea caddies and another one for sugar. Nowadays these are ideal for use with flowers.
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1686
9283 Antique James II Silver Sugar Caster
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A late 17th century antique sterling silver muffineer in the traditional lighthouse design with a bayonet fitting, so typical of these very early casters. This lovely castor is of heavy quality and feels good in the hand. The base is plain styled with pierced motifs, the top is simply pierced, the holes are quite large as crushed loaf sugar was still in use at this early date. Engraved to the front is a large armorial, the top has the matching crest. Weight 243 grams, 7.8 troy ounces. Height 17 cms. Diameter of base 8.2 cms. London 1686. Makers mark “FA”* – see Jacksons page 133.
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1690
Thomas Brydon
8362 William & Mary Antique Silver Sugar Caster
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A late 17th century antique sterling silver muffineer in the traditional lighthouse design with a bayonet fitting, so typical of these very early casters. This lovely castor is of heavy quality and feels good in the hand. The base is plain styled with fluted borders, the top is simply pierced, the holes are quite large as crushed loaf sugar was still in use at this early date. Uninscribed. Weight 310 grams, 9.9 troy ounces. Height 20 cm. Diameter of base 8.5 cm. London 1690. Makers mark for Thomas Brydon (overstruck) – see Jacksons page 148, bottom mark.
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1701
8924 William III Silver Sugar Caster
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An early English antique sterling silver muffineer in the traditional lighthouse design with a bayonet fitting, so typical of these very early casters. Unusual small size. This lovely castor is of heavy quality and feels good in the hand. The base is plain styled with fluted borders, the top has excellent quality piercing with hand engraved detail. There is a crest and initial to the front. Weight 208 grams, 6.6 troy ounces. Height 16 cms. Diameter of base 7 cms. London 1701. Maker unidentified.
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1702
William Fawdery
3862 Queen Anne Antique Silver Castor
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An antique Britannia standard silver muffineer in the traditional lighthouse design and having a bayonet fitting. This lovely piece is of heavy quality and feels good in the hand. The base is simply styled with gadroon borders, the top is beautifully pierced and engraved and there is the original coat of arms engraved to the front. Weight 10.5 troy ounces. Height 21 cms. London 1702. Maker William Fawdery.
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1704
Andrew Raven
8743 Queen Anne Silver Sugar Caster
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Very rare double walled design. An antique silver muffineer in the traditional lighthouse design so typical of these very early casters. Britannia standard silver*. The cover extends right down to the girdle above the armorial, covering the main body. This lovely castor is of heavy quality and feels good in the hand. To the front there is a hand engraved armorial within a large decorative cartouche. The base is plain styled with fluted borders, the top is simply pierced, the holes are quite large as crushed loaf sugar was still in use at this early date. Unengraved. Weight 391 grams, 12.5 troy ounces. Height 19 cms. Diameter of base 8.5 cms. London 1704. Makers mark for Andrew Raven.
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1707
Charles Adam
8574 Antique Queen Anne Silver Caster
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An early English antique silver muffineer from the early 1700 period. Britannia standard silver*. Large size. Baluster shape. Excellent plain style. The top has a bayonet fitting and has two panels of pretty piercing with hand engraving. The base is plain with just a hand engraved lion crest to the front. Weight 265 grams, 8.5 troy ounces. Height 20.5 cms. London 1707. Makers mark for Charles Adams.
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1712
Jonathan Newton
8572 Pair of Antique Queen Anne Silver Casters
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A matching pair of early English antique silver muffineers from the early 1700 Queen Anne period. Britannia standard silver*. With baluster shape and the desirable octagonal panelled design. These lovely castors are of heavy quality and feel good in the hand. The pull off tops are prettily pierced and engraved. Each is hand engraved to the front with a nautical crest of a sea horse and anchor. Total weight 537 grams, 17.2 troy ounces. Height 17 cms. London 1712. Makers mark for Jonathan Newton.
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1712
Charles Adam
8682 Antique Queen Anne Silver Caster
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An early English antique silver muffineer from the early 1700 period. Britannia standard silver*. Large size. Baluster shape. Excellent plain style. The top has a bayonet fitting and has two panels of pretty piercing with hand engraving. The castor base is plain with just a hand engraved lion crest to the front. Weight 308 grams, 9.9 troy ounces. Height 20 cms. London 1712. Makers mark for Charles Adams.
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1714
Charles Adam
8374 Antique Queen Anne Silver Caster
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An antique silver muffineer from the early 1700 Queen Anne period. Britannia standard silver*. With baluster shape and octagonal panelled design. This lovely castor is of heavy quality and feels good in the hand. The pull off top is simply pierced, the base is hand engraved. Weight 155 grams, 4.9 troy ounces. Height 14 cms. Diameter of base 5 cms. London 1714. Makers mark for Charles Adam.
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1714
Jonathan Newton
9234 Antique Queen Anne Octagonal Silver Sugar Bowl
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A rare early English silver bowl of octagonal form. Lovely plain style and heavy gauge silver. Excellent sharp lines and good size. Hand engraved to the front is an armorial within a decorative cartouche. Weight 209 grams, 4.2 troy ounces. Height 6.1 cms. Diameter 11.4 cms. London 1714. Maker Jonathan Newton.
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1716
Charles Adam
8376 Antique George I Silver Caster
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An antique silver muffineer from the early 1700 period. Britannia standard silver*. Of baluster form. This lovely castor is of heavy quality and feels good in the hand. The pull off top has two panels of piercing, the base is plain with just a hand engraved crest to the front. Weight 153 grams, 4.9 troy ounces. Height 15 cms. Diameter of base 5 cms. London 1716. Makers mark for Charles Adam.
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1717
Anthony Nelme
9689 George I Silver Caster
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Extra large size. This is a very heavy antique silver castor or muffineer in the desirable octagonal shape. Britannia standard silver* 95.8 grade. Bayonet fitting. The top has panels of pierced decoration. Uninscribed. Stamped underneath with initials H.H and an interesting scratchweight 32=6, presumably this was originally one of a pair (Sett). Weight 495 grams, 15.9 troy ounces. Height 21.5 cm. London 1717. Maker Anthony Nelme.
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1721
9237 George I Silver Bowl
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A charming antique silver bowl of small size. Britannia standard silver*. Very plain styling and excellent original colour. Uninscribed. The original owners initials are incised underneath. Weight 158 grams, 5 troy ounces. Height 5.7 cms. Diameter 12 cms. London 1721. Maker probably George Wickes.
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1726
Richard Gines
5970 George I Silver Tea Caddy with Sliding Base
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An excellent antique sterling silver tea caddy box with sliding base and removable cap which can be used as a tea measure. Lovely plain style and good gauge silver. Weight 236 grams, 7.5 troy ounces. Height 14 cms. Base 8.75 x 5.5 cms. London 1726. Maker Richard Gines.
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1726
Samuel Wood
9617 George I Silver Casters
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An early set of 3 antique sterling silver castors with pierced removable tops. Classic plain style. Each with a hand engraved crestof a dragon to the front. Weight 618 grams, 19.8 troy ounces. Tall castor – height 17.9 cm. Pair of smaller castors – height 14.7 cm. All matching. London 1726. Maker Samuel Wood.
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1728
John Gorsuch
8618 Antique George II Silver Sugar Bowl
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A rare antique sterling silver covered sugar bowl of circular form on a small spreading foot. Excellent plain design, typical of the period. In the early 18th century sugar bowls or sugar boxes nearly always had covers which, when reversed, could be used as a saucer or spoon tray. Weight 295 grams, 9.4 troy ounces. Total height 9 cms. Bowl measures – height 6.3 cms, diameter 10.5 cms. London 1728. Maker John Gorsuch.
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1729
Thomas Farren
8995 Antique George II Silver Caster
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An early antique silver muffineer of baluster form on a cast foot. Britannia standard silver*. This lovely castor is of heavy quality and feels good in the hand. The hexagonal pull off top has alternate panels of decorative piercing. Uninscribed. Weight 239 grams, 7.6 troy ounces. Height 18 cms. London 1729. Makers mark for Thomas Farren.
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1729
Samuel Welder
7245 Set of 3 George II Silver Casters
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A fantastic quality set of 3 antique sterling silver castors with pierced removable tops. Classic plain style. Very heavy gauge. Weight 739 grams, 23.7 troy ounces. Tall castor – height 18.5 cms. Pair of smaller castors – height 14 cms. London 1729. Maker Samuel Welder.
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1732
Paul Crespin
10103 Set of George II Antique Silver Casters
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A fantastic quality set of antique sterling silver castors made by the master silversmith Paul Crespin. Classic plain style with pierced removable tops. Extremely large size, thick gauge and heavy in the hand. An unusual feature is that one small caster has been fitted with a plain inner sleeve, this is known as a “blind caster”, the earliest form of mustard pot. Height 21.5cm and 16.6cm. Weight 1056 grams, 33.9 troy ounces. London 1732 (large), 1733 (small). Maker Paul Crespin.
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1734
Paul de Lamerie
7889 George II Silver Caster by Paul de Lamerie
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A rare antique silver castor by the revered master silversmith Paul de Lamerie. Of plain baluster form with a pull off cover pierced and engraved with scrollwork and crosslets. Good colour and weight. To the front there is a contemporary hand engraved coat of arms within a decorative cartouche. Weight 246 grams, 7.9 troy ounces. Height 8 cms. Diameter of base 5.75 cms. London 1734. Maker Paul de Lamerie.
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1735
9186 George II Silver Caster
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A charming antique sterling silver castor of plain baluster form with a pull off cover pierced and criss-cross engraved. Good colour. Uninscribed. Owners initials etched below. Weight 164 grams, 5.2 troy ounces. Height 15 cms. London 1735. Maker unidentified.
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1738
Samuel Wood
8342 George II Silver Warwick Cruet
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A handsome antique sterling 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 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 17.75 and 14 cms. Bottles height 17 cms. London 1738. All by the same maker Samuel Wood, known for his silver casters.
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1740
John Fossey
9179 George II Silver Bowl
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A charming antique sterling silver bowl of small size. Very plain styling and excellent original colour. The original owners initials are incised underneath. Weight 179 grams, 6.6 troy ounces. Height 6.9 cms. Diameter 11 cms. London 1740. Maker Jonathan Fossey.
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1746
Samuel Wood
6354 Set of George II Silver Casters by Sam Wood
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A handsome set of 3 antique silver castors with pierced removable tops. Classic plain style. Weight 474 grams, 15.2 troy ounces. Tall castor – height 17 cms, London 1753. Pair of smaller castors – height 14.8 cms, London 1746. Maker Sam Wood. Sterling silver
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1748
David Hennell
9619 George II Silver Bowl
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An antique sterling silver bowl of simple form with a reeded top. Small size probably for sugar. Weight 163 grams, 5.24 troy ounces. Diameter of top 8.5 cm. Height 7.5 cm. London 1748. Maker David Hennell.
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1751
9153 Antique German Box
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A good quality antique silver box of shaped bombe form with a hinged lid and shell thumbpiece. Probably a sugar box or tea caddy. Weight 290 grams, 9.3 troy ounces. Height 10 cm. Top measures 13.3×9.4 cm. Marked underneath with an assay scrape, Augsburg mark for 1751 and makers initials “IPM”.
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Circa 1760
9521 Antique Spanish Silver Bowl
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An antique silver bowl of plain, tapering form having a flared lip and applied foot. Gilt interior. Small size probably a tea bowl or small sugar bowl. Weight 76 grams, 2.4 troy ounces. Height 4.5 cm. Diameter 8 cm. Stamped underneath with Spanish silver marks and an assay scrape. Barcelona circa 1760. Makers mark “P.O.T”.
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1768
William Grundy
9476 George III Silver Sugar Vases
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A fine pair of antique sterling silver sugar casters with side handles. Plain style with gadroon borders. To the front each has a hand engraved armorial with a boar crest. Weight 951 grams, 30.5 troy ounces. Height 25cm (caster), 17.5cm (vase). London 1768. Maker William Grundy.
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1769
John Lautier
9359 George III Silver Sugar Basket
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A very pretty antique sterling silver sweetmeat basket with blue glass liner. With rope twist handle and borders. Attractive pierced decoration with applied flowers and leaves. Weight of silver 154 grams, 5 troy ounces. Height 9 cms, 15 cms to top of handle. London 1769. Maker John Lautier.
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1772
John Deacon
9019 George III Silver Bowl
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An elegant little antique silver bowl of tulip shape on a flared pedestal foot. Good weight and patina. Weight 305 grams, 9.8 troy ounces. Height 10 cms. Diameter 11 cms. London 1772. Maker John Deacon. Sterling silver.
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1773
John Deacon
9210 George III Silver Sugar Bowl
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An antique sterling silver sugar box and matching cover, all with extensive embossed decoration of flowers and leaves. To the front is a cartouche containing a hand engraved crest. The interior still retains the original gilding. Weight 260 grams, 8.3 troy ounces. Height 15 cm (with lid), 10 cm (without lid). Diameter 11 cms. London 1773. Maker John Deacon.
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1776
John Bennett
6257 George III Silver Argyle
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A classic style antique sterling silver gravy jug with vase shape on a pedestal foot. With an exterior flap and double skin warming chamber. Lovely plain style with a crest and motto engraved to to the front. Bead borders and pull off lid. Weight 385 grams, 12.3 troy ounces. Height 20 cms. Spread 19 cms. London 1776. Maker John Bennett.