A fine pair of George I Silver Casters by Pierre Platel circa 1715

Each of the casters has a stepped spreading base and baluster body with original engraved coats of arms. The pierced high domed covers have bayonet mounts. Marked under the base with maker's mark only. Height: 7" weight: 18 oz. Historical note: The arms are those of Cavendish impaling those of Boyle, as borne by William, 4th Duke of Devonshire, born in 1720, who, as Marquess of Hartington, served as Prime Minister of England from November 1756 to June 1757. He married Charlotte Elizabeth in 1748 (Baroness Clifford), the only daugher of Richard, Earl of Burlington. "Lord Hartington and his father the Duke of Devonshire were fashionable models of goodness, though their chief merit was a habit of caution," remarked Horace Walpole. He succeeded to the dukedom in 1755 and died in 1764.