Tea canister, one of a pair

Dateca. 1765

MediumFused silverplate (Sheffield Plate)

DimensionsH: 5 3/8"; L (base): 3 5/16.

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Oliver F. Ramsey

Object number1972-105,1,A&B

DescriptionTea canister and coverLabel TextThe earliest plated tea canisters are of this bombe form. These, like other examples of this type, are composed almost entirely of die-stamped elements, lending sureness to their contours and crispness to their rather florid rococo decoration. A set of three canisters of this pattern, stamped with the same repeat of this unidentified maker's mark and housed in its original shagreen case, was formerly in the Lipton collection. Another set in a satinwood case is illustrated by Frost. A single example is illustrated by Bradbury.Inscription(s)Owner's crest engraved within cartouche on each body.Mark(s)Maker's mark four times on underside of one base; the other unmarked.ProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. and Mrs. Oliver F. Ramsey, Williamsburg, Virginia