English Sterling Silver Lighthouse Style Sugar Caster

• Birmingham, 1920 by S. Blanckensee & Son Ltd.
• Dimensions: 6 3/8 inches height

Up until the middle of the 17th century, sugar was kept in sugar boxes. However during the 1660’s sugar became much more widely used for several reasons. Baking, especially breads and desserts, as well as sweetening foods, were two major reasons that sugar was considered a prized commodity. Thus, the first casters, were introduced in England, and were intended for sugar and not pepper.

The styles of sugar casters developed from a simplistic ‘lighthouse’ shape, a design that originated in the late 17th century. As styles adapted to the purpose and fashions of the time, the shape eventually became more rotund. The lighthouse style was almost completely cylindrical with the knob on the top of the structure/lighthouse. This simple design was incredibly popular, although eventually it was modified such as pierced decoration, becoming finer.

A very attractive 20th century English Sterling Silver Lighthouse Style Sugar Shaker. It is an exquisite piece having a tapered, cylindrical design. The domed upper portion of the cover is embellished with pierced and engraved circular diaper work. This pierced decoration allows the sugar to be dispensed in a controlled manner. The sugar caster also has the traditional bayonet locking mechanism which securely holds the two pieces together. The detail work on this piece is exceptional and the sugar caster resides on a circular foot.

Sugar casters are a wonderful charming antiquity which can be used practically for formal dining, or as delightful ornamentation.