Coffee & Chocolate
Coffee cultivation and trade began on the Arabian Peninsula and by the 15th century coffee was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia and by the 16th century it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey. By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe and was becoming popular across the continent. Coffee houses were quickly becoming centres of social activity and communication in the major European cities and in England “penny universities” sprang up, so called because for the price of a penny one could purchase a cup of coffee and engage in stimulating conversation.
Coffee began to replace the common breakfast drink beverages of the time — beer and wine. Those who drank coffee instead of alcohol began the day alert and energized, and not surprisingly, the quality of their work was greatly improved. (We like to think of this a precursor to the modern office coffee service). By the mid-17th century, there were over 300 coffee houses in London, many of which attracted like-minded patrons, including merchants, shippers, brokers and artists. Many businesses grew out of these specialized coffee houses. Lloyd’s of London, for example, came into existence at the Edward Lloyd’s Coffee House.
Coffee and chocolate were established as part of social life by the end of the century and coffee pots can be found from the 1680’s onwards. Initially, these tall form pots (as averse to the squatter teapot shape) were used for both coffee and chocolate however we term chocolate pots to be those with either a removable finial or removable lid for inserting a swizzle stick. We also nominate some early side handled pots as chocolate pots.
Coffee & Chocolate
Coffee cultivation and trade began on the Arabian Peninsula and by the 15th century coffee was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia and by the 16th century it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey. By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe and was becoming popular across the continent. Coffee houses were quickly becoming centres of social activity and communication in the major European cities and in England “penny universities” sprang up, so called because for the price of a penny one could purchase a cup of coffee and engage in stimulating conversation.
Coffee began to replace the common breakfast drink beverages of the time — beer and wine. Those who drank coffee instead of alcohol began the day alert and energized, and not surprisingly, the quality of their work was greatly improved. (We like to think of this a precursor to the modern office coffee service). By the mid-17th century, there were over 300 coffee houses in London, many of which attracted like-minded patrons, including merchants, shippers, brokers and artists. Many businesses grew out of these specialized coffee houses. Lloyd’s of London, for example, came into existence at the Edward Lloyd’s Coffee House.
Coffee and chocolate were established as part of social life by the end of the century and coffee pots can be found from the 1680’s onwards. Initially, these tall form pots (as averse to the squatter teapot shape) were used for both coffee and chocolate however we term chocolate pots to be those with either a removable finial or removable lid for inserting a swizzle stick. We also nominate some early side handled pots as chocolate pots.
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1707
John Barnard
10295 Queen Anne Antique Silver Chocolate Pot
Sold
A good early antique silver chocolate pot of tapering cylindrical form, domed lid typical of the period, and an attractive scrolling wooden side handle. The top finial is hinged so that the chocolate can be stirred by inserting a swizzle stick and the cover detaches via a removable pin and chain for cleaning. The spout has a hinged flap. Hand engraved to the front is an armorial for the FITZGERALD family within a decorative cartouche. Contains 950 ml. Weight 608 grams, 19.5 troy oz. Height 24.5cm. Spread 19.5cm. London 1707. John Barnard I. Britannia standard silver*. 18th century.
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1713
Anthony Nelme
10218 Queen Anne Antique Silver Coffee Pot
£5,750
A rare early antique silver coffee pot with straight tapering sides and domed lid typical of the period. Wooden side handle. Large size and good weight. A nice feature is the little hinged flap on the end of the spout. Contains 1200ml. Weight 930 grams, 29.9 troy ounces. Height 26cm. Diameter of base 11.4cm. London 1713. Maker Anthony Nelme. Britannia standard silver.
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1715
Martin Stockar
10165 Antique George I Silver Coffee Pot
£10,750
An early antique silver coffee pot (or chocolate pot) with domed lid and beautifully grained fruit wood side handle. The elegant plain style, with simple reed borders, has the straight lined octagonal shape which is a very rare and desirable feature. The decorative strapwork handle supports are also functional as Britannia standard silver is purer and therefore a softer silver. Contains 1000ml. Weight 1098 grams, 35.3 troy ounces. Height 26.6cm. Diameter 15.25cm (widest point of body). London 1715. Maker Martin Stockar. Britannia standard silver.
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1733
Robert Lucas
9753 George II Silver Coffee Pot
£1,950
A good plain style antique silver coffee pot with straight tapering sides and a shallow domed lid. To the front is a contemporary hand engraved armorial within a decorative cartouche. Good gauge silver and excellent colour. Contains 640 ml. Weight 699 grams, 22.4 troy ounces. Height 20cm. Spread 19cm. London 1733. Maker Robert Lucas. Sterling silver.
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1752
John Swift
9969 George II Antique Silver Coffee Pot
£1,650
An antique sterling silver coffee pot with a straight sided, slightly baluster form raised on a shallow pedestal foot. Good quality shaped wooden handle. Elegant plain design and graceful shaped spout. Contains 980 ml. Weight 776 grams, 24.9 troy ounces. Height 24cm. Spread across spout and handle 21cm. London 1752. Maker John Swift.
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1754
James Williams
9847 George II Silver Coffee Pot
£2,650
This excellent pot, of graceful form, is also extremely large and heavy. A handsome antique silver coffee pot of baluster form raised on a shallow pedestal foot. Elegant plain design and graceful shaped spout. To the front there is a hand engraved lion crest within a large decorative cartouche, to the reverse there’s a dog crest. Contains 1650 ml. Weight 1313 grams, 53 troy ounces. Height 30.2cm. Spread across spout and handle 26.3cm. London 1754. Maker James Williams. Sterling silver.
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1767
Thomas Whipham & Charles Wright
10374 George III Antique Silver Coffee Pot
£2,950
A rare and very charming early English silver coffee pot, embossed with Chinese figures and exotic birds and plants. With a tall and graceful baluster form, wooden scroll handle and a cast silver finial in the form of an oriental gentleman. To the front there is a small hand engraved armorial with motto “I’ll Defend”. Good patina. Contains 1250 ml. Weight 1127g, 36.2 troy oz. Height 31.5cm. Spread 21.5cm. London 1767. Maker Thomas Whipham & Charles Wright. Sterling silver.
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1775
James Young
9837 George III Silver Coffee Pot
Sold
An excellent quality antique silver coffee pot with plain baluster shape and bead borders. Graceful shaped spout and carved wooden handle. This pot is beautifully hand chased with flowers and foliate scrolls, the quality of the workmanship is further evident from the inside. Engraved to the front with a crest and motto. Weight 944 grams, 30.3 troy ounces. Contains 1100 ml. Height 30.5 cm. Spread across spout and handle 2 cm. London 1775. Maker James Young. Sterling silver.
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Circa 1800
5487 Antique French Silver Chocolate Pot with Side Handle
£1,450
An attractive antique French silver chocolate or coffee pot with plain styling. The turned wood side handle can be unscrewed. Contains 1050 ml. Weight 764 grams, 24.5 troy ounces. Height 25.5 cms. Fully marked with French silver stamps to the lid and body for Paris circa 1800. Silver grade 950. makers initials JFC
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