Antique George III Sterling Silver Condiment Caster 1804

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George III English sterling silver condiment caster/muffineer; an addition to our Georgian silverware collection. This exceptional and large antique Georgian sterling silver sugar caster has an ovoid shaped form onto a circular spreading pedestal foot. The body of the antique silver caster is embellished with the contemporary bright cut engraved crest of a man's head in profile couped at the shoulders, on the head a ducal coronet, issuing therefrom a cap tasselled and turned forward*. The body, cover and cast foot are further ornamented with applied reed decorated borders to the rims. This large Georgian silver muffineer/caster retains the original hallmarked push fit cover, embellished with pierced decorated holes. This exceptional Georgian caster, crafted by the renowned silversmiths Peter, Ann & William Bateman, is a large example for its type and the finest of its type you could hope to acquire; it can be determined the piece was specifically crafted for condiments. A George III silver caster or muffineer is a refined, timeless gift for weddings, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. Prized by collectors of Georgian silver, it marries historic character with enduring craftsmanship and understated elegance. * This crest pertains to the family name Bourcher/Bourchir/Bourchier/Bourchier-Chilcott, however other variants are possible. NOTE: The early condiment vessels once called 'castors' were used for dry mustard, sugar or pepper; early sugar examples, often known as 'muffineers', featured larger piercings for crushed sugar. Maker: Peter, Ann & William Bateman Origin: London, England