Caddy spoon, shell-shaped bowl
Date1789-1790
Marked by
Hester Bateman
1708 - 1794
OriginEngland, London
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsOL: 3 1/4"; W of bowl:1 1/2"
Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Palmer Taylor
Object number1998-92
DescriptionShort handle with rounded tip; shallow chased shell bowl. Handle with bright cut and wriggle work around edges. Bowl with scalloped edges.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)Marked in relief 1) lion passant; 2) monarch's head; 3) date letter "O"; 4) sponsor’s mark "H B" in script font in rectangleProvenanceEx Coll: Mr. E. Palmer Taylor; 8 Preston Grange, Williamsburg, VA 23188
ca. 1780
