"Drum" Shaped Teapot
Dateca. 1780-1798
Maker
William Will
MediumPewter, wood, and iron
DimensionsHeight: 6 1/8"; Width across spout and handle; 10"; Diameter of foot: 4 11/16"
Credit LineGift of Scott and Debra Duncan
Object number2022-184
DescriptionPewter "drum" shaped teapot of circular section with straight tapering sides, beaded and moulded at its top and bottom. The convex top has a moulded shoulder which supports a hinged lid edged in beading and topped by a beaded urn finial. A straight, tapering spout is affixed to the front of the body while a crested "C" shaped wooden handle is pinned into a pair of tapering sockets at the back of the body.Label TextWith a slightly tapering drum-shaped body, Will’s beautiful creation epitomizes the American neoclassical teapot in the late 18th century. Though the scrolled handle harkens back to earlier decades, its four bands of beading and urn finial were distinctly modern and fashionable. It is believed that less than half a dozen are known today.
MarkingsInside of bottom struck with an eagle's head facing left / Wm. Will / PHILAD / ELPHIA in relief, all within a crenelated tombstone-shaped cartouche (Laughlin 542).
ProvenanceFrom the collection of George Wolfe.
ca.1790-1795
ca.1754-1780
1774-1775
ca.1810-1830
1780-1800
ca.1810-1830
ca.1800-1815
1785-1797
ca. 1800
1714-1715
1701-1702
ca. 1810