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The Vintage Tales

Vintage Silver-plated Sugar Castor - Mid 20th Century

Vintage Silver-plated Sugar Castor - Mid 20th Century

Regular price CHF 72.00
Regular price Sale price CHF 72.00
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Add a touch of classic sophistication to your dining experience with this beautifully designed silver-plated sugar castor. Featuring an elegant, timeless form, it is perfect for sprinkling powdered sugar over your favourite desserts, from scones and pastries to fruit and cakes.

Sugar castors, also known as sugar shakers or muffineers, date back to the 17th century when they became fashionable for serving powdered sugar at the table. Traditionally used during afternoon teas and formal dinners, they exemplified refined dining etiquette. This charming piece continues that legacy, blending functionality with decorative appeal, and reminds me of the pieces done by Christofle, the famous French silversmith company.

Though its maker’s mark remains unidentified, its craftsmanship speaks of quality and enduring beauty. The smooth silver-plated surface gleams with a soft lustre, making it as decorative as it is practical. Its finely pierced top ensures a light and even sprinkle, perfect for elevating your culinary presentation.

Whether displayed as part of a vintage tableware collection or used during special occasions, this sugar castor is a delightful reminder of timeless dining traditions. A must-have for collectors and lovers of historical table settings.

  • Material: Silver-plated
  • Style: Classic Style
  • Place of Origin: Likely French
  • Date of Manufacture: Mid-20th Century
  • Mark: unidentified mark
  • Condition: Slight signs of use

Dimension:
Height: 16 cm | 6.3 in

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Origin & Maker

ilver tableware has long symbolised elegance and refinement, gracing dining tables for centuries. Among its many forms, the sugar castor—also known as a sugar shaker or muffineer—holds a special place in the history of dining rituals. These charming vessels emerged in the late 17th century, designed to sprinkle powdered sugar evenly over desserts like cakes, pastries, and fruit. Their popularity soared during the Georgian and Victorian eras when dining rooms were showcases of wealth and social standing.

Crafted from sterling silver, silver plate, or even glass with silver mounts, sugar castors were as decorative as they were practical. The intricate pierced tops allowed a gentle sprinkle of sugar, while the elegantly shaped bodies often featured ornate engravings, repoussé work, or smooth, polished finishes. Their presence at the table signified not only culinary indulgence but also the host's taste and affluence.

Silver’s appeal in tableware stems from its natural brilliance, durability, and ability to resist corrosion. In addition to sugar castors, silver found its way into items like creamers, tea sets, condiment holders, and flatware. Though less common today, antique silver tableware remains highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, cherished for its timeless beauty and the stories it carries from elegant dining rooms of the past.