Caddy spoon, shell bowl

Date1818

Artist/Maker Samuel Neville

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOL: 3 3/4"; w of bowl: 1 3/8"

Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor

Object number1998-114

DescriptionShort handle with heart shaped tip; chased shell bowl with pointed scalloped edges. Handle with crest of dragon head over crown. Crest probably belonged to the Archdall family of Castle of Archdall and Trillic, Ireland.
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.
Markingsharp crowned; monarch's head; hibernia; date letter"X"; maker's mark "SN" in rectangle
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor