Caddy spoon, shovel-shaped bowl
Date1813-1814
Artist/Maker
Joseph Taylor
OriginEngland, Birmingham
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsOL: 4"; w of bowl: 1 3/8"
Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
Object number1998-104
DescriptionShort fiddle handle set at right angle to fluted shovel bowl. Handle with wriggle wok sprig design along stem; tip of handle with wriggle work outline of pointed oval. Inside bowl with wide band of wriggle work diapering along tip and sides, outlined with pair of wriggle work lines; center section of bowl plain.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 "p"; maker's mark "IT" in ovalProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
