Very uncommon hand chased sterling silver muffineer, shaker or pepper caster (pepper shaker) by Dunkirk Silversmiths of Meriden Connecticut.
(c. 1945-1950).
Pristine condition both inside and out, with no scratches, dings, dents or silver wear or loss. Outstanding floral and leaf chase work, which is repeated four times around the body of this sterling muffineer, shaker or pepper caster. Very clean on the inside.
Pepper casters were made from the late 17th century, frequently in sets of three, with one large and two smaller casters. The larger caster was used for sugar, the smaller ones for salt & pepper. Small casters which have a design engraved on the cover, but are not pierced, are occasionally seen. Casters diminished in popularity towards the end of the 18th century, when they were replaced by cruets. Single casters are desirable, but sets command a premium price. Earlier casters were often made single.
Dunkirk Silversmiths, Inc. were the successors to the Gold Recovery & Refining Corp. whom themselves were manufacturers of sterling silver and silverplate items.
This antique sterling silver pepper caster measures 4.5" tall, approximately 2" in diameter and weighs 1.9 ounces. Touchmarked on the base with Dunkirk's logo of an eagle, the letter D and a silversmith icon, STERLING, hand chased and the pattern number "8" .
A1025 - DUNKIRK SILVERSMITHS Muffineer Shaker Pepper Caster STERLING SILVER Hand Chased
SOLD!
