Caster
SilversmithMade by
Samuel Minott
American, 1732 - 1803
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Peter Lanman
American, 1725 - 1804
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Sarah Spaulding
American
Date1764-1780
MediumRaised, cast, and seamed silver
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height including lid x diameter): 5 3/16 x 4 1/8in. (13.2 x 10.5cm)
ClassificationsMetalware
Credit LineDonated by the family of Esther Chase Wood (1894-1994)
DescriptionRaised, cast, and seamed silver caster with a pierced lid and a baluster-shaped body. The lid (.b) has a small, cast, pineapple-shaped finial soldered atop a tall, pierced dome. The pierced openings are laid out in panels that are also engraved, alternating between a geometric pattern and a more floral pattern. The lower part of the lid has a band of raised molding over a thin, cylindrical rim that fits inside the cylindrical rim at the top of the body.
The body of the caster (.a) has a cylindrical rim and neck, and a shoulder that flares out to a projecting band of molding, over a semi-circular bottom, and a round foot. There is a projecting band of molding at the rim. Just below the rim, at one side, is engraved "L/ P=S".
The lid is constructed of seamed silver that is punched with holes. The finial and the top of the lid are cast and soldered to the punched portion of the lid. The body is constructed in three sections: upper body, lower body, and foot. The upper body is constructed of seamed silver in the shape of a cylinder. The lower body is raised; there is a centerpunch on the underside. The upper and lower body are soldered together; the joint is hidden under a projecting band of molding at the widest part of the body. The foot is cast and soldered to the underside of the lower body.
The lid of the caster has minor dents at the top and on the rim. A horizontal line of damage is pierced through one area of the lid, just below one punched panel. The foot has multiple dents. The caster has lost most of its base.
Centerpunch: A centerpunch is a small, recessed point made as the first step of a technique called raising, used to make silver hollowware. The silversmith marks the center of a silver disc with a punch, or centerpunch. Working out from that center point, the silversmith beats the silver disc with a hammer to form the shape of the finished object.
The body of the caster (.a) has a cylindrical rim and neck, and a shoulder that flares out to a projecting band of molding, over a semi-circular bottom, and a round foot. There is a projecting band of molding at the rim. Just below the rim, at one side, is engraved "L/ P=S".
The lid is constructed of seamed silver that is punched with holes. The finial and the top of the lid are cast and soldered to the punched portion of the lid. The body is constructed in three sections: upper body, lower body, and foot. The upper body is constructed of seamed silver in the shape of a cylinder. The lower body is raised; there is a centerpunch on the underside. The upper and lower body are soldered together; the joint is hidden under a projecting band of molding at the widest part of the body. The foot is cast and soldered to the underside of the lower body.
The lid of the caster has minor dents at the top and on the rim. A horizontal line of damage is pierced through one area of the lid, just below one punched panel. The foot has multiple dents. The caster has lost most of its base.
Centerpunch: A centerpunch is a small, recessed point made as the first step of a technique called raising, used to make silver hollowware. The silversmith marks the center of a silver disc with a punch, or centerpunch. Working out from that center point, the silversmith beats the silver disc with a hammer to form the shape of the finished object.
Object number2004.25.3a,b
MarkingsJust below the rim at one side of the body is the small, rectangular mark of "SM". A raised dot is located between the two initials.InscribedEngraved just below the rim, at one side of the body, is "L/ P=S".Subject Terms
On View
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