George I Octagonal Silver Caster

Object Description

Goliath size. This is a large and 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. Weight 432 grams, 13.8 troy ounces. Height 21 cm. London 1718. Maker John (Jean) Chartier.

Biography – John (Jean) Chartier was the son of a Huguenot refugee from Blois. This important silversmith was naturalised in 1697, made a freeman of the Goldsmiths Company in 1698, and entered 2 marks as a largeworker between 1698 and 1699. His son Daniel was apprenticed to him in 1720 and his daughter married Peze Pilleau.

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 pure. 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

Object Condition

This fine antique castor is in good used condition. The body is stamped underneath with a full set of English silver hallmarks, top unmarked as is often the case at that date. Signs of old repairs inside the top of the body.
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