Images(2)

Chocolate pot

Date1701-1702

Marked by William Lukin active ca. 1699-1755

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Britannia); wood

DimensionsOH: 8 5/8"; OL (handle): 6 7/8"; OW (spout): 5 7/8"
Wgt: 26 oz. 10 dwt.

Credit LineGift of John A. Hyman: The John A. Hyman Collection

Object number2003-6

DescriptionA plain broad round baluster body rising from a short round stepped base, with a molded rim; the flattened stepped cover fitted with a flat pivoting section topped by an urn-shaped finial. The simple wood C-scroll handle is covered for its entire length with a silver cut-card decorative strip with a long tapering rat-tail its entire length, with a knop where it meets the voluted thumbpiece of the lid's hinge. The hinge pin is removable, held in place with a chain. The upper socket is decorated with a pendant fanned cast shell, the lower socket is plain. The spout rises from the body in a series of deep folds from a flat plate with a pendant foliate drop, rising to an octagonal section with cast flowers on either side, rising to a short octagonal curved length with a cast foliate crest where it meets a bird-beak hinged section covering the spout.Label TextA chocolate pot features a removable or pivoting finial in its lid to accommodate a stirring rod or chocolate mill. These were new forms during the Baroque period.Inscription(s)Engraved initials "W/M·M" on bottom of body. Scratch-weight 26=3 on bottom of body.Mark(s)Marked on side near handle: Britannia, Lukin' s mark "Lu" with a pellet beneath in a shield, lion's head erased, and date letter a courthand "ff" for 1701/02. On bezel of cover: lion's head erased.ProvenancePurchased from an anonymous private collector through Partridge Fine Arts PLC, 1440146 New Bond Street, London W1Y OLY, on 22 February 1996.