Caster c. 1735

This Caster was crafted in Boston between 1692 and 1741 by Andrew Tyler. In the early 18th century, objects made of silver went beyond mere functionality, reflecting the societal standing and personal identity of their owners. This caster, designed to sprinkle sugar or spices, speaks volumes about the era's complex relationship with trade and taste. Sugar, then a costly commodity, symbolized wealth and power, especially considering its production was deeply entangled with the exploitation of enslaved labor. Silverware, like this caster, marked a refined lifestyle, subtly underscoring the social disparities of the time. Imagine the hands that might have used this object. Was it a woman managing her household, a merchant displaying his success, or perhaps a family benefiting from the painful realities of the sugar trade? This caster is more than just a piece of tableware; it's a reminder of how everyday objects can embody layers of history, identity, and ethical complexity.