The number shown alongside the category includes available and sold items, sold items can be accessed by using the drop down bar on right hand side of page.
To view most recently sold items click on the last available page.
We’re here to your answer your queries, don’t hesitate to reach out.
category info
Silver sugar castor shakers, also known as sugar casters or muffineers, first appeared in the late 17th century in England, during a time when sugar was becoming more widely available and popular among the wealthy. Silversmiths created these elegant vessels to serve finely ground sugar, which was used to sweeten tea, desserts, and other dishes. The name “castor” or “caster” comes from the action of “casting” or sprinkling sugar over food.
In the early days, silversmiths designed sugar castor shakers as small, cylindrical or baluster-shaped containers with perforated tops, allowing the sugar to be evenly sprinkled. These early shakers were often part of larger silver tableware sets, reflecting the growing importance of sugar in European diets and the increasing sophistication of dining practices. They quickly became a staple on the tables of the aristocracy, symbolizing wealth and refinement.
As the 18th century progressed, silver sugar castor shakers became more elaborate in design. English silversmiths, renowned for their craftsmanship, began incorporating intricate engravings, repoussé work, and decorative motifs into the shakers. Some designs featured ornate Rococo styles, with scrolling patterns and floral details, while others embraced the cleaner lines of the neoclassical style, with straight sides and minimal ornamentation. Silversmiths often crafted these shakers as part of matching sets that included tea and coffee pots, creamers, and sugar bowls.
During the Georgian and Regency periods, sugar castor shakers continued to be popular, with designs evolving to match the changing tastes in silverware. Silversmiths experimented with different shapes and sizes, from the traditional cylindrical forms to more unique shapes like octagons and urns. They also began producing double-ended shakers, which had one side for sugar and another for other fine spices or pepper, catering to the increasingly elaborate dining practices of the time.
In the Victorian era, silver sugar castor shakers remained a prominent feature on dining tables, especially during afternoon tea. The Victorians loved ornate decoration, and silversmiths responded by creating highly embellished shakers with intricate patterns, repoussé designs, and engraved monograms. The introduction of electroplating during this period made silver-plated shakers more accessible to the growing middle class, broadening their use in households across Britain and beyond.
The 20th century saw the continued use of sugar castor shakers, though their designs became more streamlined and modern. The Art Deco movement emphasised geometric shapes and clean lines. This influenced the design of shakers, leading to simpler, more functional forms. Despite the decline in formal dining practices, silver sugar castor shakers remained a popular item for special occasions. They continued to be produced by silversmiths.
Today, silver sugar castor shakers are valued as antique collectibles and decorative pieces. They represent the history of sugar, a luxury commodity, and the evolution of dining customs over centuries. Many collectors seek out antique shakers for their beauty and craftsmanship, while contemporary silversmiths still create these elegant pieces, blending traditional and modern designs.
Situated within the Central belt of Scotland (UK), we are a small, family run business. Indeed, we traded in silver for many years before forming Dart Silver Ltd in 2006.
