Images(4)

Teaspoon

Dateca. 1778

Marked by John Linney (fl. 1769 - 1773)

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (sterling)

DimensionsOL: 4 7/16" W(BOWL): 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1990-86,6

DescriptionTeaspoon of basic Hanovarian form, with rounded drop on back of bowl. Upper face of handle end is swaged, chased, and engraved with relief design of a bird with wings spread, flowers, leaves, and diaperwork. Back of spoon bowl is swaged, chased, and engraved with a nesting hen and four chicks against a landscape with house and tree, all framed within a shaped cartouche.
Label TextLike so many objects from the shop of Hester Bateman, these exceptionally ornate teaspoons lack full hallmarks. One spoon in the set bears the sponsor’s mark of John Linney, who was active from at least 1769 to 1773. Little else is known of this silversmith, but these teaspoons suggest a possible business relationship between Bateman and Linney.
MarkingsMarked in relief on back of stem 1) sponsor's mark of "I•S" in script in a rectangle; and 2) with a lion passant
ProvenanceSotheby's, New York (April 27, 1990)