Caddy spoon, shield bowl
Date1809-1810
Artist/Maker
Joseph Taylor
OriginEngland, Birmingham
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsOL: 3 1/8"; W of bowl: 1 1/2"
Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
Object number1998-85
DescriptionShort handle rounded at tip; shield shaped bowl. Handle with pricked engraved oval on tip enclosing initials "R*E"; pair of pricked engraved lines on edge enclose oval crosshatch engraving with radiating wriggle work petals in center and block of crosshatch engraving at joint. Bowl with prick engraved shield with checkerboard engraving.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.Inscription(s)Initials "R*E"Mark(s)lion passant; monarch's head; date letter "l"; maker's mark "IT" in ovalProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
