Caddy spoon, scoop bowl
Date1811-1812
Artist/Maker
Joseph Taylor
OriginEngland, Birmingham
MediumSilver (Sterling); mother of pearl
DimensionsOL: 3 1/2"; W of bowl: 1 1/8"
Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
Object number1998-96
DescriptionShort thin mother of pearl handle with rounded tip; scoop shaped bowl. Plain handle with silver socket. First half of bowl outlined with single wavy wriggle work line; tip of bowl with floral wriggle work pattern enclosed in pair of prick engraved lines. Initials "WEL" on reverse side of bowl.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 "WEL"Mark(s)lion passant; monarch's head; anchor; date letter "n"; maker's mark "IT" in ovalProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer TaylorGift to donor, Mr. Taylor, from Ms. Ima Hogg.
