makers mark 1730 caster?

[Lex]

Hello, can anybody help me identifying the silversmith of a 1730 sugar caster with the initials M*D?
picture:

Thanks, Lex

[dognose]

Hi Lex,

Welcome to the Forum.

M*D would be the initials of a one time owner. The maker's mark is what is remaining just beneath the date mark, but from what is left remaining is enough to point us hopefully in the right direction. I can find no suitable maker of casters with the initials M? in an indented mark, but there are two likey candidates with a ?W indented mark. Samuel Wood and Samuel Welder, both had similar marks and both were known makers of castors, but as Samuel Wood did not enter his mark until 1733, I think it is highly likey that your caster was made by Samuel Welder who entered his first mark in 1720 and his second in 1729.

Trev.

[spobby]

As a collector of casters, I would be very interested to see a vertical image of the whole caster. Sam Wood is very collectable and has distinct stylings.
Best regards
John