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.
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