Caddy spoon, shaped pierced bowl
Date1814-1815
Artist/Maker
Joseph Taylor
OriginEngland, Birmingham
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsOL: 3 5/8"; w of bowl: 1 1/2"
Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
Object number1998-107
DescriptionShort thin fiddle handle; pierced shaped bowl. Handle with elongated wriggle work shield at tip with initials "JFC" inside; wriggle work sprig design on stem. Bowl flared with scalloped edges. Center of bowl with oval enclosing continuous wavy line on matted background. Band of wavy lines and piercings radiate from central oval; wriggle work in foliage pattern on outermost band. Bowl outlined with pair of pricked engraved 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.Inscription(s)Initials "JFC"Mark(s)lion passant; monarch's head; anchor; date letter "q"; maker's mark "IT" in oval twice*
*once on bowl, once on handleProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
