A rare set of three octagonal George II casters
Auction: 13 August 2014 at 14:00 BST
Description
Edward Penman, Edinburgh 1728, comprising one large and one small pierced caster and a matching 'blind' small caster of baluster panelled octagonal form with moulded girdle and crest and motto engraved above, raised on stepped octagonal domed foot, the pull of covers with chased and pierced with alternating panels of floral lattice work and scrolls, with compressed urn finial (3)
Dimensions
21cm and 17.5cm high, combined weight 35oz
Footnote
Heralrdy;
The crest and motto of Colville for Lords Colville of Culrose and of Ochiltree.
Notes; Although caster were likely more often supplied as pairs and set of three it is very rare to find compete original sets of three such as this. even more so when the 'blind' caster remains present and un pierced, when fashions changed the need for a 'blind' caster was proceeded by having three pierced examples ad while the style of the casters changed less so it was possible to have the blind examples pierced later to 'match'.
These casters display another scarce feature in Scottish silver of this date being octagonal, while it was a style fashionable in London it appears not to have taken hold as strongly in Scotland and pieces are scarce.
It is tempting to consider the maker of these pieces not being Edward Penman, as the makers mark appears to be lacking, however as has been noted and discussed before the apparent lack of maker's mark likely means the Assay Master and maker were the same person. If it were considered that the maker's mark is lacking the maker would likely be considered Henry Beathune of Edinburgh whose hand is seen to more octagonal work than any other maker. In addition, the scale and gauge of these pieces follows thee quality seen throughout his work.