Caddy spoon, scalloped oval bowl

Date1854-1855

Possibly by Brown & Clarke

MediumSilver (Sterling)

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

Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor

Object number1998-139

DescriptionCoiled wire handle; shaped bowl. Handle with plain engraved lines going from tip to shoulders. Bowl with pricked engraved lines radiating from drop to tip of bowl. Bowl with wriggle work triangles on edges under a band of wavy pricked engraved lines. 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.
Markingslion passant; monarch's head; anchor; date letter"F"; maker's mark "B&C" in rectangle
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor