Tea Sets
A tea service consists of a matching set of pieces necessary to serve tea to guests. The three key elements necessary are the teapot, cream or milk jug, and the sugar bowl. A grand set can comprise nine or more pieces to include a water jug, coffee pot, tea kettle, slop bowl, mote spoon, spoon tray and a tray to stand all the tea accessories on.
At home, the English have traditionally drunk tea rather than coffee and 19th century inventories show that families owned twice as many teawares as coffee utensils. Women adopted the drink for their social gatherings and served tea after dinner. It was also an occasion to demonstrate wealth and good taste, and teawares were as responsive to changing fashion as dress and interior decoration.
Matching silver tea and coffee sets were not made in any quantities until the mid 1780’s. “Afternoon tea” in Great Britain was established by the seventh Duchess of Bedford in the 19th century. At that time, lunch was taken early and supper very late so the duchess made a habit of taking tea in the afternoon between three and four o’clock together with a light meal.
These charming antique pieces are perfect for an intimate tea party to enjoy the delicate taste of tea poured from a sterling silver teapot. Large sets provide a grand display with a sense of splendour. Tea sets have been popular across the centuries as a traditional wedding gift.
Tea Sets
A tea service consists of a matching set of pieces necessary to serve tea to guests. The three key elements necessary are the teapot, cream or milk jug, and the sugar bowl. A grand set can comprise nine or more pieces to include a water jug, coffee pot, tea kettle, slop bowl, mote spoon, spoon tray and a tray to stand all the tea accessories on.
At home, the English have traditionally drunk tea rather than coffee and 19th century inventories show that families owned twice as many teawares as coffee utensils. Women adopted the drink for their social gatherings and served tea after dinner. It was also an occasion to demonstrate wealth and good taste, and teawares were as responsive to changing fashion as dress and interior decoration.
Matching silver tea and coffee sets were not made in any quantities until the mid 1780’s. “Afternoon tea” in Great Britain was established by the seventh Duchess of Bedford in the 19th century. At that time, lunch was taken early and supper very late so the duchess made a habit of taking tea in the afternoon between three and four o’clock together with a light meal.
These charming antique pieces are perfect for an intimate tea party to enjoy the delicate taste of tea poured from a sterling silver teapot. Large sets provide a grand display with a sense of splendour. Tea sets have been popular across the centuries as a traditional wedding gift.
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1819
Robert Gray & Son
9959 George III Antique Silver Tea Set
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Scottish silver. An elegant 3 piece antique sterling silver tea set of globular form with gadroon borders and half fluted body. The jug and bowl have the original bright gilt interior. Excellent classical features with acanthus mounted handles and superior quality grape leaf decorated upper body; an unusual feature is the expansive lotus flower finial. Heavy weight of set 1959 grams, 63 troy ounces. Teapot contains 1150 ml, height 14cm, spread 29cm. Glasgow 1819. Maker Robert Gray & Son. Sterling silver.
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1835 - 1836
John Tapley
9549 Antique Silver Tea Set
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A William IV sterling silver 4 piece tea service of compressed bellied form with cast borders and scrolling feet. The chased decoration is very beautiful with acanthus scrolls and flower heads. The tea and coffee pots have pretty flower finials, the milk jug and sugar bowl have the original bright gilt interior. Each has a hand engraved crest to the front and a monogram in old fashioned script to the reverse. Total weight 2694 grams, 86.6 troy ounces. Teapot contains 1130 ml, height 15.5cm (to the top of the handle), spread 28cm. London 1835/36. Maker John Tapley.
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1868 - 1869
Edward Barnard & Sons
9530 Antique Silver Tea Set
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An excellent quality 4 piece sterling silver tea set of rounded form with engraved and embossed decoration. The teapot and coffee pot have attractive shaped finials, the jug and bowl have a gilt interior. Contains – teapot 1400ml, coffee pot 1400ml. Weight 2121 grams, 68.1 troy ounces. Height of teapot 19.5 cm (to top of finial), spread 24 cm. London 1868/9. Maker Barnard Brothers.
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1890 - 1892
Edward Barnard & Sons
9620 Antique Silver Tea Set
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A handsome antique sterling silver tea set with fluted decoration and shell and gadroon borders. 5 pieces. Small size. The sugar bowl and cream jug have the original gilt interior. Contains 700 ml (large teapot), 600 ml (small teapot), 600 ml (jug). Total weight 1544 grams, 49.6 troy ounces. London 1890/91/92. Maker W & J Barnard.
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