Not currently on display at the V&A

Caster

ca. 1765 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A caster is a small container with a pierced cover used for sprinkling sugar, salt, ground pepper and spices or dry mustard powder over food. They were a popular item of tableware in both silver and Sheffield plate. This example has a bulbous body and moulded foot. The twisted and gadrooned top is enriched with vertical sprays of leaves surmounted by an acorn knop.

Sheffield plate originated, with the discovery in 1742, that bars of silver and copper, in unequal proportions, fused by heating under pressure, could be rolled into sheets of laminated metal and worked like silver. The industry this material created flourished for about 100 years until superseded by electroplating in the 1840s.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Caster
  • Lid
Materials and techniques
Sheffield plate
Brief description
ca. 1770, English

ENGLISH; about 1770. Marks: a monogram struck four times; unidentified.
Wolseley Bequest; Base Metal
Physical description
Plain bulbous body and moulded foot; the twisted and gadrooned top enriched with vertical sprays of leaves surmounted by an acorn knop. An unidentified crest is engraved on the main body, simulated silver marks
Dimensions
  • Height: 7.6in
  • Diameter: 2.6in
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
A set of simulated silver hallmarks
Credit line
The Wolseley Bequest
Production
Reason For Production: Retail
Summary
A caster is a small container with a pierced cover used for sprinkling sugar, salt, ground pepper and spices or dry mustard powder over food. They were a popular item of tableware in both silver and Sheffield plate. This example has a bulbous body and moulded foot. The twisted and gadrooned top is enriched with vertical sprays of leaves surmounted by an acorn knop.

Sheffield plate originated, with the discovery in 1742, that bars of silver and copper, in unequal proportions, fused by heating under pressure, could be rolled into sheets of laminated metal and worked like silver. The industry this material created flourished for about 100 years until superseded by electroplating in the 1840s.
Collection
Accession number
M.180-1920

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Record createdDecember 3, 2003
Record URL
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