Images(2)

Hot water urn

Dateca. 1785

OriginEngland, Birmingham or Sheffield

MediumFused Silverplate (Sheffield Plate)

DimensionsH: 20 3/8"; L: 10 3/4"; W (base and feet): 6 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors

Object number1971-3022,A&B

DescriptionTea urn with cover.
Label TextBenjamin Henry Latrobe made an ink sketch and a watercolor of the Washington family at tea on the portico of Mt. Vernon during his visit in July 1796. Although differing in detail, both views depict the same hot water urn with the tea equipage on a breakfast table. Its urn-shaped body with a wave molding at the rim is elevated on four incurved legs with rams' heads at their attachments with the body. It is probably the "large Tea-Urn, or receptacle for the water which is to supply the tea pot, at the table" that Washington included in a list of plated goods he ordered from France through Lafayette in 1783. The "1 large plain beaded plated Gallon Tea Urn" he received from England the following year was probably similar to this rather plain representative example.
InscribedOwner's crest engraved on cover
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceAnonymous gift

Exhibition(s)