Images(3)

Caddy spoon, leaf-shaped bowl

Date1811-1812

Artist/Maker Joseph Willmore (working ca 1805-died 1855)

OriginEngland, Birmingham

MediumSilver (Sterling)

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

Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor

Object number1998-100

DescriptionCoiled wire handle; leaf shaped bowl. Handle with small applied leaf shape; leaf with border of double wriggle work lines. Bowl with wriggle work veins; veins alternate between wavy and straight lines.
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 "n[?]"; maker's mark "J*W" in oval
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor