1756 George II Chester Sterling Silver Sugar Caster

A beautiful 1756 George II heavy gauge Sterling Silver (925) Sugar Caster or Muffineer by the renowned silversmiths John Parker I & Edward Wakelin of London.
The sugar caster has an attractive baluster form with a pierced, pull-off cap, reeded detail around the neck and waist and it stands on a circular foot. The body is engraved with an elaborate cartouche for an armorial crest of owner’s cypher, but this has not been applied. The edge of the base is clearly hallmarked with the assay for London and the date stamp of 1756. The maker’s mark is that of John Parker I & Edward Wakelin who are assumed according to records to have registered around 1760. Their mark also appears on the rim of the lid, but shows rubbing with use, although it proves the two parts are original to each other.
Thiis piece is in beautiful condition with no dents, no damage to the piercing, the lid fits on very securely and the caster stands nice and vertically with a minor wobble.
Edward Wakelin, apprenticed to John le Sage in June 1730 and independently in 1748. By 1747 he had joined the famous George Wickes at Panton Street, entered his first mark (2 sizes) which was almost indistinguishable from the mark of George Wickes, and during the period 1747-1760 Wakelin took virtual charge of the silver side of Wickes’ business. By 1752, Wickes was already making retirement plans although the formal date of the hand over to Wakelin, and his new partner, John Parker I was dated 1760.
Size: 8 x 19.25 cm (3 1/8 x 7 5/8 inches)
Weight: 309g