Caddy spoon, scoop shaped bowl
Date1810-1811
Artist/Maker
Joseph Taylor
OriginEngland, Birmingham
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsOL: 2 3/4"; W of bowl:1 1/4"
Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
Object number1998-95
DescriptionShort thin handle with pointed tip; flattened scoop shaped bowl. Handle with engraved crest of arm with fist holding sword, enclosed in pear shape at tip. Stem of handle with wriggle work pattern and border. Bowl with engraved shield enclosed in wriggle work wreath design in center.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 "m"; maker's mark "IT" in ovalProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
