Finely pierced in classic style with bead edges. Date about 1785.
(In the collection of B. B. Harrison, Esq.)
Octagonal in shape; pierced design with straight thread edges. Date about 1790.
(In the collection of B. B. Harrison, Esq.)
The four examples illustrated (p. [167]) illustrate types which were being made from 1785 to 1790. They are all from pairs, and each exhibits representative features. The earlier form was not quite so deep as is found in later coasters. In later examples the height is twice that of the earliest type. Perhaps it was found that bottles or decanters were apt to fall over as the evening wore on, but it is certain that the protective guard became higher, and some of the tallest can be used quite comfortably nowadays to hold a syphon of soda. The elaborate pierced floriate work in the 1785 Coaster (p. [167]) is classical in character, and it has bead edges and stands as an excellent piece of workmanship. The adjacent example, 1790, is seen to be taller though still not so tall as were made at a later date, in the decadence. The pierced work is less effective and may be compared with some of the designs on what are known as Irish dish rings or potato rings. It has threaded and plain edges.
A departure from the circular top is shown in the lower example, of 1785 in date, with pierced and chased work of rosettes and festoons. Its broken curved top rim is decorated with bead edges. The other octagonal shaped specimen, in date 1790, is pierced in reticent manner corresponding with its geometric form, and has straight thread edges.
OLD SHEFFIELD PLATED COASTERS.
With broad beaded pattern: having turned wooden bottom with silver boss in centre. Date 1810. Diameter 5⅞ in.