Antique Victorian late 19th century hobnail cut glass silver plate sugar shaker. This wonderful sugar shaker has the incredible Victorian quality. Although silver plate it is Regis plate which is a higher quality. Some minor age related wear
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19 cm tall
6 cm round at base
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Sugar shakers, also called sugar casters or muffineers, originated in the late 17th century to serve finely ground sugar at the table, with the name deriving from the act of "casting" or sprinkling the contents. Initially, they were a luxury item for the wealthy, part of a set that included condiments like salt, pepper, and oil. While the elegant silver sugar casters were popular from the late 17th to the 19th century, more affordable and decorative glass, ceramic, and metal sugar shakers became common in the late 19th century as sugar became more widely available.
Early history (late 17th to 19th century)
Origin: Sugar casters first appeared in the late 17th century, initially made of silver.
Function: They were used to sprinkle sugar on foods, and the name "caster" comes from the action of "casting" the contents.
Wealth and luxury: Only the wealthy could afford the effort to produce finely granulated sugar, making casters a status symbol. They were often part of a matching set of condiment containers that included salt, pepper, and oil.
Etymology: The name "caster" is also linked to "caster sugar," the type of finely granulated sugar they were designed to hold.
Later history (late 19th to early 20th century)
Increased availability: As sugar became more affordable, so did the containers used to dispense it.
Variety of materials: Sugar shakers were produced in many forms and materials, including ceramics, metals, and various types of glass like milk glass.
Decorative styles: They became decorative collectibles, sometimes with ornate designs, hand-painted enamel, and perforated lids in shapes like stars.
New names: These later versions were also known as muffineers, though their use extended beyond just muffins to other baked goods and treats.
Breakfast partners: They were often found on the breakfast table alongside syrup pitchers.