Caddy spoon, "Eagle Wing", eagle head handle

Date1833-1834

Artist/Maker Joseph Willmore (working ca 1805-died 1855)

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOL: 3 1/8"; w of bowl: 1 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor

Object number1998-126

DescriptionDie stamped spoon in the form of the eagle's wing. Tip of handle with eagle head and beak; bowl with overlapping feathers. Wing formation extends to edge of 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; date letter "K"; maker's mark "JW" in oval
ProvenancePurchased by donor from Wilson & Gill, Goldsmiths' House, 139 & 141 Regent Street, London, England Dec. 5, 1929.
Ex Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor