Coffeepot

Date1771-1773

Artist/Maker Joseph Wilson

MediumFused silverplate (Sheffield Plate); mahogany

DimensionsOH: 12 1/4"; OL: 9 1/8"; Diam(base): 3 7/8"

Credit LinePurchased with funds bequeathed by Dr. Lowry Dale Kirby

Object number1992-173

DescriptionCoffeepot with hinged cover. Die-stamped finial of pomegranate form on double-domed cover with horizontally-flanged edge; cover relief-chased with foliate decoration; cover hinged to upper handle socket; die-stamped handle sockets of scrolled design and fitted with double-scroll wooden handle; vertical body of elongated pear form with dropped or double belly chased in relief with extraordinary chasing with representational elements; further relief-chasing on spout of elongated S-shape and on tall splayed base of circular plan.

Label TextIn 1753, Joseph Wilson, maker of this coffeepot, formed a partnership of factors and merchants, mainly trading with the continent through the port of Hull. The firm exported Sheffield cutlery and hardware and imported tobacco and snuff. Wilson set up his own snuff mill in 1763 and also sold silverplated wares beginning in the mid-1760s, especially those of Thomas Law. He increased his facilities in steel rolling and constructed a workshop for making saws, which he soon exported to Ireland and America. By 1770, Wilson had three manufacturing operations: a steel drawing mill, a steel rolling mill and saw manufactory, and the snuff mill. Not surprisingly, he began making silverplate as well. By early 1771, Wilson set up his plating workshops and shortly afterward hired senior workmen, including James Vickers of white metal fame and later Britannia metal fame. In 1771 and 1772, Wilson was supplying London and provincial English dealers and Irish firms with Sheffield plate.
Wilson's use of a harp as one of the pseudo-hallmarks on his silverplate may indicate that a large part of his plated work was intended for the Irish market since the harp mark also appeared on all Dublin-made silver. The form of this coffeepot and the character of its chasing relate strongly to the Irish taste.

Wilson's Production of plated wares was ambitious, even though he was only in production for four years (1771-1775). This piece, with its pseudo-hallmarks, was probably made before the prohibition of marking plated wares in 1773.
ProvenanceVendor: S. J. Shrubsole Corp., New York

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