Images(2)

Caster

Dateca.1791

Maker Joseph Richardson Jr. (1752 - 1831)

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumSilver

DimensionsHeight: 5 9/16" Max diameter: 2 1/4"

Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage

Object number2020-281,1a&b

DescriptionDouble-bellied silver caster with round stepped foot, cabled band at the shoulder, cylindrical neck, and pressure-fitted tall, domed lid with flame-shaped finial. Lid pierced and engraved with diaper-pattern diagonal panels separated by fillets.
Label TextCreated by one of Philadelphia's most prolific and respected tradesmen, this caster was made when the city was capital of the United States. Joseph Richardson, Jr., the third generation of his family in the silversmithing business, dabbled in related trades too. From the time President Washington appointed him in 1795 until his death thirty five years later, Richardson served as the Assayer of the United States Mint.
MarkingsStruck twice on the bottom with "JR" in relief within a rectangle, flanking the center punch.