Hester Bateman Silver Muffineer, 1780

Hester Bateman made some lovely, elegant casters and this silver muffineer is a fine example of the type.

Mid-way between a pepper pot and a sugar caster in height, this muffineer would have originally been used to sprinkle powdered sugar or flour over scones, muffins and cakes. These days it could be used for all manner of purpose, but whatever its function, it has a timeless stylish form and would grace any collection.

The caster has a baluster form with a gadroon band around the mid-section, foot rim and cover. The pull-off cover is attractively pierced and topped by a flame finial, whilst the underside of the base is engraved with an original betrothal triangle, where "S" is the surname of the happy couple and "B" and "M" their first names.

The condition is excellent and both the underside of the foot and the rim of the pierced cover are appropriately hallmarked.