Hot Water Urn

Date1816-1817

Marked by Paul Storr

MediumSilver (sterling); elephant ivory, copper alloys

DimensionsOH: 13 3/4" ow: 14 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Owen L. Coon.

Object number1981-59,A-C

DescriptionDomed and banded plain circular finial on tall perforated sleeve fitted to and above to slide vertically within top of cover; plain domes circular cover with drawn and applied rectangular wire molding around opening for finial, unmounted rim, and short bezel fitting within rim of body; broad hemispherical body with circular opening at top with inset molded edge to receive cover and framed by band of chased gadroons; top of body sloping horizontally with chased band of outlined gadrooning at edge; broad band of chased alternate anthemions and foliated bell flowers with connecting S-scrolls around upper part of sides above handles; cast and applied open scroll handles with foliated shell centers, reeded sides, and twin lion mask attachments on either side of body; horizontal spigot projecting from lower part of body with ivory handle of palmette form above and fitting valve section of truncated rectangular shape within a patera on either side and terminating in a dolphin’s head; body supported on a splayed circular pedestal with bands of gadrooning below juncture with body and one shoulder above juncture with base; the whole supported on a square base with cast and applied lion paw fet with a palm leaf above flanked by lateral volutes and demi-anthemions at the corners; interior fitted with a loose open copper cylinder with a broad silver flanged rim pierced four anthemion clusters at even intervals for housing the heating element.Inscription(s)Royal arms within the Garter with royal crown above, supporters, and motto engraved on shoulder above spigot.Mark(s)Marked in relief on body to right of right handle: 1) sponsor’s mark “P.S” [Grimwade 1990 # 2235]; 2) lion passant; 3) leopard’s head crowned; 4) date letter “a” for 1816-17; and 5) duty mark. Sponsor’s mark, lion passant, and date letter also on bezel of cover. Heating insert unmarked.ProvenancePurchased by donor from Marshall Field & Company, Chicago on July 12, 1956, no previous history known.