Caddy spoon, round bowl

Date1807-1808

Artist/Maker Matthew Linwood

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOL: 2 3/4"; W of bowl: 1 3/8"

Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor

Object number1998-79

DescriptionShort bifurcated handle with rounded tip; die stamped bowl. Handle with central engraved crosshatch pattern; pricked engraved pear at tip; plain border. Bowl with central rosette; border of foliage on linear ground; plain border.
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 "j"; maker's mark "ML" in rectangle
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor