DS1998-0338; with 1998-63, -66,-67,-78,-97

Caddy spoon, kidney shaped bowl

Date1806-1807

Artist/Maker Cocks & Bettridge

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOL: 2 1/4"; W of bowl: 1 3/4"

Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor

Object number1998-78

DescriptionShort curved handle rounded at tip; kidney shaped bowl. Handle with pricked engraved pear at tip; central wriggle work sprigs. Drop with band of wriggle work diapering; pair of pricked engraved lines above and below. Bowl bordered with pair of pricked engraved lines and pair of pricked engraved wavy lines.
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; date letter "i[?]"; maker's mark "C & B" in rectangle
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor