Caddy spoon

Date1798-1799

Artist/Maker Peter Bateman

Artist/Maker Ann Bateman

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling)

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

Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor

Object number1998-144

DescriptionShort handle with pointed tip; modified shell bowl. Handle with bright cut border enclosed in pair of pricked engraved wavy lines on the inside and pricked engraved straight lines on the outer edge. Handle with initials "SH" on tip. Bowl chased with scalloped edges. Bowl pointed at tip.
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; date letter"C"; maker's mark "PB" over "AB" in square
ProvenanceGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor