George III Silver Teapot


Date: 1790

Maker: Samuel Godbehere

Country: England

Stock: 8160

Description

An elegant antique sterling silver teapot of oval serpentine shape and having pretty bright cut engraving all over. Simple classic design. There is a cartouche engraved to the front and back, one with a stag crest and motto 'nil desperandum', the other with a monogram.

Teapot weight 498 grams, 16 troy ounces.

Contains 1170 ml.

Height 15 cm. Spread 29.25 cm. Base 16.2 x 11.25 cm.

London 1790.

Maker Charles Godbehere.

Biography

Samuel Godbehere

Samuel Godbehere, London silversmith, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. 1st mark (2 sizes) entered as plateworker in 1784, 2nd mark 1784, After this period Samel entered into several successive partnerships. 3rd mark (2 sizes) 1786 and 4th mark (3 sizes) 1789 both in partnership with Edward Wigan. 5th mark (3 sizes) 1792. 6th mark 1800 in partnership with Edward Wigan and James Bult (entered as S. Goodbehere & Co). 7th mark together with James Bult 1818, this partnership seems to have been dissolved by 1819 when Bult's mark was entered alone.

Grimwade records Godbehere as succeeding James Stamp, goldsmith and jeweller of 86 Cheapside in 1786 (where Godbehere worked until at least 1796) and also a connection with William Bottle and James Burden, both Bath goldsmiths. He suggests that Godbehere was possibly supplying Bath goldsmiths with London goods.

Condition

This delightful antique silver teapot is in very good condition. The hand engraving is crisp. With a full set of clear English silver marks underneath, the lid is stamped with the lion. The teapot pours beautifully and does not leak. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Images