George II Antique Silver Kettle


Date: 1747

Maker: George Boothby

Country: England

Stock: 10171

Description

A decorative antique sterling silver samovar of circular form having a shaped folding handle with leather finish. The body is beautifully hand chased with scrolls, fish scale and flowers and there is a large rococo design cartouche to the front and back. The matching stand has a cut-work frieze with face masks, it has a removable burner well with push on top.

Weight 2294 grams, 73.7 troy ounces.
Total height (handle extended) 36cm, height (handle folded) 26cm.
London 1747.
Maker George Boothby.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Stamped under the kettle with a full set of English silver hallmarks. The burner stand has a full set of matching marks (rubbed). Kettle lid and reservoir top unmarked.

Literature. Silver Tea Kettles date from Queen Anne times. These were made until the 1770's when the tea urn took over the job of providing hot water. Although kettles were still made between 1770 and 1840 they were less common until Victorian and stand times when they were reintroduced, probably because of the discovery of odourless spirit for the burners

Biography

George Boothby

George Boothby, apprenticed to Matthew Cooper 1712, free 1719. 1st mark (New Standard) as largeworker dated 1720. 2nd mark (Sterling) 1720. 3rd (Sterling) mark 1739.

Condition

This impressive 18th century silver kettle is in very good condition. The decorations are crisp, with some possible 19th century additions. The leather handle is in good condition and there is a tiny hole to one side indicating that the handle was originally raffia covered. Moderate signs of wear consistent with age as would be expected.

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