Set of two tea canisters and a sugar box

Date1757-1758

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOH(largest with handle collapsed): 4 7/8"; OH(smaller pair with handles collapsed): 4 7/8"; W(largest body):3 1/4" square; W(largest at feet): 3 5/16"; L(body smaller pair): 3 1/8"; W(body smaller pair): 2 7/16"; L(base smaller pair): 2 5/8"; W(base smaller pair): 3 5/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-522,3

DescriptionTea canister: cast handle in the form of a shaped shell with flat chased lower section hinged in center-top of cover; stepped and molded flat-topped cover of rectangular plan (the largest of square plan) with flat-chased shells flanking hinge and enclosed by scrolls and leaves on top of each; groove in sides and one end of each fitting and sliding on rim of body; straight-sided vertical body of rectangular plan (largest of square plan) with convex shoulder ornamented with high-chased flowers and scrolls in garland arrangement issuing from shells at corners; body of largest curving inward at base with square inset base plate and supported on four cast and applied shaped bracket knees and scrolled tripartite feet; straight sides of smaller pair continue to drawn and applied multiple molding at base; base plate of smaller pair sliding and fitting groove in base molding; interior of smaller pair foil lined.
Label TextThe canisters of this set have sliding covers and base plates (but the sugar box does not). All three members are high-chased at their shoulders with scrolled floral garlands on a matted ground in the rococo taste. The tops of their covers, flat-chased with scrolls and shells, are fitted with hinged flap handles of curling shell form. The interiors of the tea canisters, as is occasionally found, are lined with sheets of lead. A very similar set of the same year and by the same unidentified maker retains its original shagreen covered case with silver mounts. William McCaa of Norfolk advertised for sale in the Virginia Gazette of ]January 18, 1770, among other silver articles, "A set of chased silver tea canisters in a neat case, covered with fish skin, and lined with crimson, &c." It is not known, of course, whether they were of this rectangular form or of circular or bombe form.
InscribedOwners' crest engraved on face of each body
MarkingsMarked on base in relief: 1) sponsor's mark "WA" in script with a pellet above and below a mullet within a conforming reserve [similar to Grimwade 1990 unregistered mark #3863]; 2) leopard's head crowned; 3) lion passant; and 4) Gothic "B" date letter for 1757-58. Marked inside of cover in relief: 1) sponsor's mark "W•A" in block letters within a notched rectangle; and 2) lion passant
ProvenanceVendor: Garrard & Co. Ltd., London (purchased from T. W. F. Bullock, Fen Ditton, Cambridgeshire, 1953)