Skip to main content
Advanced Search
DS1998-0344
Caddy spoon, shovel-shaped bowl
DS1998-0344

Caddy spoon, shovel-shaped bowl

Date1812-1813
Artist/Maker William Pugh
OriginEngland, Birmingham
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsOL: 3 1/2"; w of bowl: 1 1/8"
Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
Object number1998-102
DescriptionShort handle with rounded tip; fluted shovel bowl. Handle with wriggle work sprig pattern along stem; pointed oval wriggle work at tip encloses initials "EF". Inside of bowl outlined with pair wriggle work lines. Center of bowl with oval wriggle work motif composed of foliate pattern on matted background; wavy wriggle work line encloses oval.
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.
InscribedInitials "EF"
Markingslion passant; monarch's head; anchor; date letter "O"; maker's mark "WP" in rectangle
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor