Images(2)

Teapot

Dateca. 1820

Marked by Charles Alexander Burnett (1769 - 1849)

OriginAmerica, District of Columbia, Washington, Georgetown

MediumSilver; wood

DimensionsOH: 9 3/4"; Wd. incl. spout and handle: 11"; Max diam. of body: 5 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund

Object number2013-87

DescriptionStepped circular base edged with milled banding of grapes and grape leaves on meandering vine interspersed with acorns and oak leaves, supports a deep, round body with bulbous gadroons at bottom and convex border of the same milled banding below the shoulder. Plain convex shoulder is edged at top and bottom with narrow bands of very fine gadrooning. Flat hinged lid rises to small, high dome comprised of bulbous gadroons, surmounted by a post, disk, and ball finial, with radiating panels of irregular pouncing on disk. Angular silver handle is ornamented with flat reeds on top and outer face, with oval rectangular top juncture and tapered, curving rectangular lower juncture. Two wooden insulators appear to be later replacements. Flat-faced S-shaped spout is capped by a truncated oval pattera.
Label TextThis teapot's bold expression of the empire style follows the most fashionable trends of the early 19th century. Maker Charles Burnett was the most prolific and important silversmith in the vicinity of the new nation’s seat of government. His clientele included members of Washington society, politicians, and presidents.
MarkingsMarked on bottom in relief with "C • A • BURNETT" in a rectangle and with an eagle's head in a rounded square
ProvenanceJonathan Trace
Northeast Auctions