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: 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
  Castor
  
• 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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