Antique Queen Anne Silver Casters

Object Description

A matching pair of early English antique silver muffineers from the early 1700 Queen Anne period. Britannia standard silver*. Bayonet fitting and with the desirable octagonal panelled design. Incredible weight. These lovely castors are made of cast silver and feel good in the hand. The pull off tops are prettily pierced. Each has a hand engraved cartouche to the front containing 3 lions crowned. Total weight 554 grams, 17.8 troy ounces. Height 18.5 cms. London 1708. Makers mark for Richard Syng.

Biography – Richard Syng, London silversmith. Free 1687. 1st mark registered 1697.

Object Literature

*Britannia Standard silver. In 1696, so extensive had become the melting and clipping of coinage that the silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares, but had to use a new higher standard, 95.8 per cent. New hallmarks were ordered, “the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia” and the lion’s head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard’s head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today.

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 less frequently used nowadays

Object Condition

These useful antique sugar shakers are in very good condition with no damage or restoration. Fully functional and all matching. Excellent weight. The engravings are still sharp. Stamped with clear English silver hallmarks underneath, makers mark and leopard mark to the top.

Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Object Details