Caddy spoon, oval flower shaped bowl

Date1804-1805

Artist/Maker Samuel Pemberton

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsO/L: 1 5/8"; W of bowl: 1 3/4"

Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor

Object number1998-70

DescriptionThin loop handle; oval flower shaped bowl. Handle with small upward curve at tip. Bowl with chased petal forms radiating from central oval.
Label TextDuring the eighteenth century drinking tea was an important social custom in England and America. The practice of serving it required both distinctive manners and specific equipment. Because tea was a valued commodity, the leaves were stored in a locked tea caddy to prevent theft. Tea caddy spoons were often purchased separately to scoop the loose leaves from the caddy to the teapot. Although they are mostly thought of as silver objects, caddy spoons were also made of other materials such as ivory, mother-of-pearl, and tortoiseshell. These little spoons were mass produced during this time in various shapes including shells, leaves, and the eagle’s wing.
Markingslion passant; monarch's head[?] ; anchor; date letter "g"[?]; maker's mark "SP" in oval
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor