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Presented is a fine quality English Georgian sterling silver caster or pepper shaker, dating to circa 1747 and made by Samuel Wood. Samuel Wood is a very well known and respected name in old English silver, particularly known for his casters. This caster is made in a handsome, classical baluster form, with low round foot and urn form finial. The lid is nicely pierced with alternating panels of openwork scrolls and latticework. The interior is nice and clean. The exterior has never been monogrammed or engraved.

This piece is in great condition. Some minor dings, as you'd expect in a piece over 250 years in age, but nothing of any significance. There are no splits, no dents, no breaks, no monograms, no monogram removals, and no repairs.

This piece is hallmarked on the underside with the lion passant for sterling silver, the maker's mark for Samuel Wood, and two more hallmarks, partially rubbed. Based on the shape of the punch used for the marks, the date can be narrowed down to 1740-1755, which corresponds with the cursive SW mark used by Samuel Wood 1740-1757. Very lightly scratched into the silver nearby is the number 1747, which is quite likely to be the date. The rim of the lid is also hallmarked with the lion passant and Samuel Wood's mark.

This piece stands about 6 1/4 inches tall to the top of the finial of the lid.

This caster weighs 167 grams or 5.9 regular ounces.

-jm