DS1998-0343. Shown: 1998-84, 98, 102, 103, 108

Caddy spoon, leaf-shaped bowl

Date1814-1815

Artist/Maker William Pugh

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOL: 3 1/2"; w of bowl:1 3/8"

Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor

Object number1998-108

DescriptionThin short modified fiddle handle; leaf shaped bowl. Handle with elongated wriggle work shield at tip; wriggle work pattern along stem. Bowl with wriggle work leaf pattern in band along edges; outlined with pair of pricked engraved wavy lines above and below.
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 "q"; maker's mark "WP"
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor