Caster
Magdalen Feline (d.1796)
Category
Silver
Date
1754 - 1755
Materials
Silver
Measurements
165 mm (Height)
Collection
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
NT 935879.2
Summary
One of two silver octagon casters, described in the 1791 inventory as '2 Upright Octagon casters wh Screw Tops', part of Lady Mary Booth's toilet service made by Magdalen Feline, 1754/55. 'The stepped and moulded octagonal feet are cast and support the pear-shaped octagonal body, which is raised. The ogee-shaped cover is raised, has an applied rim and a cylindrical aperture and screwed dome cover surmounted by a cast acorn finial. The covers and upper part of the bodies are engraved with similar bands of interlaced foliate strapwork, alternating with hatched and quilted backgrounds... The 1791 inventory described these as 'casters', suggesting their purpose as receptacles for liquid or scent... In French toilet services this type of vessel, with a screw cap, was known as a "ferriere" and often contained orange flower water, used for washing hands (Lomax & Rothwell, 'Country House Silver from Dunham Massey', 2006, p. 141).
Provenance
Stamford collection; devised to the National Trust by Roger Grey, 10th Earl of Stamford (1896-1976). 'Christie's 20 April 1921 lot 101; bought by Crichton's for Schrager; bought privately by the 10th Earl of Stamford 9 March 1922' (Rothwell & Lomax, 'Country House Silver at Dunham Massey', 2006, p.136).
Marks and inscriptions
'Each fully marked on the underside with the maker's mark (Grimwade 2028), leopard's head crowned, lion passant and date letter' (Lomax & Rothwell, 'Country House Silver from Dunham Massey', 2006, p. 141).
Makers and roles
Magdalen Feline (d.1796), silversmith