Antique Queen Anne Silver Casters, London 1708.

Object Description

A fantastic quality pair of antique silver muffineers from the early 1700 Queen Anne period. Very heavy cast silver. Bayonet fitting and with the desirable octagonal panelled design. Excellent patina and incredible weight. These lovely castors are made of cast silver and feel good in the hand. Each has a hand engraved cartouche to the front containing 3 lions crowned.

Total weight 553g, 17.8 troy oz.
Height 16.8cm, 6.2ins.
London 1708.
Maker Richard Syng.
Britannia standard silver, 95.8% pure.

Marks. Stamped with clear English silver hallmarks underneath, makers mark and leopard mark to the top.

Arms. Azure three lions rampant Or, surmounted by a Viscount’s coronet, are for one of the Fiennes Viscounts Saye & Sele, probably Nathaniel Fiennes, 4th Viscount Saye and Sele (23 Oct 1676 – 2 Jan 1709/10).

Maker: Richard Syng

Richard Syng (Synge), London silversmith. Apprenticed to the high standing goldsmith Abraham Hinde in 1679, free 1687. 1st mark registered on commencement of the new register in 1697. Livery 1705. Churchwarden of St John Zachary 1706/7.

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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 minor wear consistent with age. Fully functional and all matching. The engravings are still sharp.

Object Details