Description

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.

Marks. Stamped underneath the base with a full set of English silver hallmarks, the top with lion and maker’s mark.

Literature. 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”.

Click here to read about condiments and cruets.