Images(3)

Sugar Caster

Date1736-1737

Marked by Paul Crespin (1694 - 1770)

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOH: 8 1/8"; D(body): 3 5/8"; D(base): 3 1/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-526,A&B

DescriptionSilver sugar caster: Stepped circular foot supports hemispherical body with molded band at juncture to tall, incurving neck. High, domed lid with deep bezel is surmounted by an applied circle of lobes and a ball and bell finial. Foot with molded edge and chased band of scrolls, leaves, and shells on a matted ground. Body and neck with four cast and applied scrolled straps of foliated trellis shape with cherubs’ heads at the molded horizontal band; straps extend from rim to base on shaped matted grounds of conforming outline. Lid is pierced and engraved with stylized floral pattern.
Label TextHuguenot silversmiths working in England generally employed a heavy gauge of silver and favored the use of applied ornament, both cast and cut from sheet. The vertical straps on this piece were cast in three parts with a winged cherub's mask connecting and concealing the join between the upper and lower sections. The straps are visually enhanced by a conforming border of matting. Paul de Lamerie used straps of similar design at this time. This caster may have been originally the largest of a set of three and would have held sugar. An identical set of casters by Crespin, also dated 1736-1737, includes a small caster for mustard with an unpierced cover engraved to match the others.
InscribedArmorial crest engraved on body below rim: a demi-griffin rampant couped on a torse upholding a helmet in its forepaws.
MarkingsMarked in relief on underside of base: 1) Sponsor's mark "PC" in block letters with shell above and mullet below within a conforming reserve [Grimwade 1191, #2143.a]; 2) date letter "a" for 1736-37; 3) leopard's head crowned; and 4) lion passant. Also marked with #4 on bezel of cover.
ProvenanceGarrard & Co. Ltd., London (purchased from E. T. Biggs & Sons, Maidenhead, Middlesex, 1954)
Acquired by CWF in 1954.