Caddy spoon, leaf-shaped bowl
Date1809-1810
Artist/Maker
William Pugh
OriginEngland, Birmingham
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsOL: 3"; W of bowl: 1 1/4"
Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
Object number1998-84
DescriptionShort heart shaped handle; leaf shaped bowl. Handle with initials "AC" on tip. Bowl with wriggle work pattern in wide band around edge; pair of pricked engraved lines above and below band.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.
InscribedInitials "AC"
Markingslion passant; monarch's head; anchor; date letter "l"; maker's mark "WP" in rectangle
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
1814-1815
1814-1815
1806-1807
1809-1810
1811-1812
1818-1819
1811-1812
1808-1809
1854-1855
1811-1812
1812-1813