An American 18th century coin silver caster of seamed sheet silver, baluster form with a round tapered cover with circular piercings in alternating engraved lattice panels, surmounted by a bell shaped finial, on a molded circular foot. 5"H. Engraved monogram M * T 1770 on front, no maker's mark. A slip of paper accompanying this caster attributes it to silversmith Benjamin Burt (working Boston, 1729-1805) and notes that it belonged to Matthew Thornton (1714-1803, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Provenance: Estate of Salli LaGrone, Franklin, Tennessee. Condition: Dent to side of body, repair or reinforcement to seam on interior cover, some slight damage to interior edge of cover (cover does not sit tightly).