DS1998-0332; with 1998-52,-57,-74,-76,-85,-95,-96,-104,-107

Caddy spoon, shovel bowl

Date1806-1807

Artist/Maker Joseph Taylor

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOL: 3"; W of bowl: 1 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor

Object number1998-76

DescriptionThin flattened cylindrical hollow handle; shovel bowl. Handle with wriggle work border at tip. Bowl with central wriggle work square design; pair of pricked engraved lines at tip.
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 "i"; maker's mark "IT" in oval*

*present twice, on bottom bowl and handle at tip
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor