Caddy spoon, shell bowl
Date1797
Artist/Maker
Joseph Taylor
OriginEngland, Birmingham
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsOL: 3 1/2"; w of bowl: 1 5/8"
Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
Object number1998-52
DescriptionShort curved fiddle handle set at right angle to modified shell bow. Handle with wriggle work design along stem; pricked engraved lines enclose initials "TEC" at tip. Bowl fluted with radiating chased shell pattern on edge of tip accented with pricked engraved wavy lines. Bowl with scalloped edges. Center of bowl with wriggle work floral pattern on matted background; outlined with pair of pricked engraved wavy lines.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.Mark(s)lion passant; monarch's head; anchor; date letter "Z"; maker's mark "IT" in ovalProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
