Images(2)

Caster

Dateca.1790

Maker Joseph Richardson Jr. 1752 - 1831

Maker Nathaniel Richardson 1754 - 1827

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumSilver

DimensionsHeight: 5 9/16" Max diameter: 2 3/16"

Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage

Object number2020-281,2a&b

DescriptionDouble-bellied silver caster with round stepped foot, cabled band at the shoulder, cylindrical neck, and pressure-fitted tall, domed lid with flame-shaped finial. Lid pierced and engraved with diaper-pattern diagonal panels separated by fillets.Label TextWhen Joseph Richardson, Sr. retired from the trade in 1777, his sons Joseph Jr. and Nathaniel, took over the family silversmithing business. The brothers worked in partnership until 1790 when Nathaniel left to pursue the ironmongery and hardware trade. This caster bears their joint mark, and dates from the end of their tenure together. It is now paired with an identical caster which only carries the mark Joseph Jr. used after the brothers went their own ways.Mark(s)Struck twice on the bottom twice with "INR" (NR are conjoined) in relief within a rectangle, flanking the center punch.