Silver caster made in Edinburgh, 1708-09

Casters, which first appeared in the later part of the 17th century, were used for sprinkling sugar and spices. This silver example was made in 1708-9 by Robert Bruce, a silversmith in Edinburgh.

The caster has a plain cylindrical 'lighthouse' body set on a cushion foot. Its lid is detachable and is pierced with foliage and scrolls. The caster is engraved 'Mary Hay Lady Randerstone elder 1710'.

Robert Bruce served his apprenticeship with James Cockburn. By 1694 he was worth 8,000 merks and had nine people living in his household, including three apprentices and two journeymen. He made silver for at least five parish kirks.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-001-172-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.MEQ 1562
Date:	1708 - 1709 1708-9
Material:	Silver. Inscription: On base [maker's mark in centre point, others surrounding it]: RB; castle; EP; D; body: Mary Hay Lady Randerstone elder 1710
Dimensions:	196 mm H (max); 84 mm D (base)
What:	Castor
Subject:	Gold and silver (NMAS Classification)
Who:	Edward Penman, assay master Lady Randerstone Mary Hay Robert Bruce, Edinburgh (Silversmith)
Where:	Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
Event:
Description:	Silver caster of cylindrical or lighthouse form set on a stepped foot with an applied central moulding, by Robert Bruce, Edinburgh, 1708 - 1709, engraved "Mary Hay Lady Randerstone elder 1710"
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