Images(17)

Chocolate Pot

Date1751-1752

Artist/Maker John Payne

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling); wood

DimensionsOH: 11 1/4"; Diam(base): 4 13/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1993-169,A-C

DescriptionSilver chocolate pot of raised pear-shaped body on molded splayed foot; small triangular cast spout with molded drops below, affixed to neck over v cut of body; wooden scroll handle with high grip, opposite spout; domed, molded and stepped lid; applied narrow gadrooned rim; removable acorn finial
Label TextA chocolate jug or pot is recognizable by the removable finial which allow for the insertion of a mill or stirring rod to keep the chocolate in suspension. Boldly embellished with the Meade family coat of arms, this handsome silver example was made in London and owned by David Meade Sr. (1710-1757) and his wife Susannah Everard, daughter of Sir Richard Everard of Edenton, North Carolina. They married in 1731 and resided in Nansemond County, Virginia. In 1742, David Meade purchased the Raleigh Tavern on Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg along with John Dixon, Patrick Barclay, Alexander McKenzie, and James Murray, although the tavern continued to be managed by Henry Wetherburn until 1749.
InscribedEngraved on side of body with Meade family coat of arms
MarkingsMarked in relief on base: 1) a leopard's head crowned; 2) a lion rampant; 3) date letter "q" for 1751-52; and "J*P" in script in an engrailed rectangle for John Payne [Grimwade 1990, # 1597]
ProvenanceDescended from David Meade, son of Andrew Meade, of Virginia, to Thomas Niedringhaus and bequeathed to his former wife, Virginia Key of California in 1990. See genealogy in object file. Ex. Coll: The Spencer Collection.
Vendor: Hope Spencer, Santa Barbara, CA

Exhibition(s)