Queen Anne Antique Silver Caster, London circa 1705

Object Description

A charming little antique silver spice caster of lighthouse form from the early 1700’s period with gadroon borders and bayonet fitting. Dinky small size. Hand engraved to the front is a bird crest over a coronet.

Weight 67g, 2.1 troy oz.
Height 9.5cm, 3.7ins.
London circa 1705.
Maker probably John Fawdery I.
Britannia standard silver 95.8% purity.

Marks. Stamped with a full set of marks on the body near the top, very worn, but appear to be:

Maker’s mark “FA” (part worn) – probably John Fawdery, a known caster maker
Britannia mark for London (faint)
Lion’s head erased (faint)
Date letter (part worn), Britannia series 1697-1715, probably 1707.

Maker: John Fawdery I

John Fawdery I, William Fawdery’s younger brother, was apprenticed to Anthony Nelme 1688, free 1695. 1st mark undated, probably 1697, address Foster Lane. Livery 1705. Buried 1724.

John’s son John Fawdery II, apprenticed to Edward Cornock 1719, freedom unrecorded. Mark entered 1729, address Hemings Row, St Martins Lane.

William Fawdery, John’s elder brother, apprenticed to Robert Cooper 1683, free 1694. 1st mark (Britannia standard) entered as largeworker 1697. 2nd mark, (Britannia standard) 1720. 3rd mark (Sterling) 1720. Died circa 1727 when Hester Fawdery, his widow, entered her own mark.

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Object Literature

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.

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.

Object Condition

This little pepper shaker is in very good condition. The bayonet top works well and closes tightly. Fully functional. Worn marks.

Object Details