Caddy spoon, shell-shaped bowl
Date1789-1790
Marked by
Hester Bateman
(1708 - 1794)
OriginEngland, London
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsOL: 3 1/4"; W of bowl:1 1/2"
Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
Object number1998-92
DescriptionShort handle with rounded tip; shallow chased shell bowl. Handle with bright cut and wriggle work around edges. Bowl with scalloped edges.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.
MarkingsMarked in relief 1) lion passant; 2) monarch's head; 3) date letter "O"; 4) sponsor’s mark "H B" in script font in rectangle
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor; 8 Preston Grange, Williamsburg, VA 23188
1790-1791
1788-1789
1796-1797
ca. 1791-1792
1792-1793
ca. 1780
1800-1801
1809-1810
1794-1795
1814-1815