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DS1998-0334
Caddy spoon, acorn shaped bowl
DS1998-0334

Caddy spoon, acorn shaped bowl

Date1800-1801
Artist/Maker Joseph Taylor
OriginEngland, Birmingham
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsOL: 3", Width of bowl: 1 1/4"
Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
Object number1998-59
DescriptionShort curved handle with rounded tip; acorn shaped bowl. Handle with bright cut border and central bright cut sprigs; wriggle work pear shape at tip. Upper part of bowl with chased and wriggle work pattern ; middle band of bowl with wriggle work diapering enclosed in wriggle work border; plain lower bowl.
Label TextDuring the eighteenth century drinking tea was an important social custom in England and America. The practice of serving it required both distinctive manners and specific equipment. Because tea was a valued commodity, the leaves were stored in a locked tea caddy to prevent theft. Tea caddy spoons were often purchased separately to scoop the loose leaves from the caddy to the teapot. Although they are mostly thought of as silver objects, caddy spoons were also made of other materials such as ivory, mother-of-pearl, and tortoiseshell. These little spoons were mass produced during this time in various shapes including shells, leaves, and the eagle’s wing.
MarkingsLion passant; monarch's head; anchor; "c" date mark; maker's mark "IT" in oval
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor