Description

A good example of early English provincial silver. An antique sterling silver bullet shape teapot. Early teapots were of small capacity because of the rarity of tea. Lovely plain shape with a curved spout and engraved decoration to the upper body. The lid has a concentric circle decoration and inside there are some hand engraved marriage initials. Generally speaking bullet teapots were only made during the George II period. Weight 420 grams, 13.5 troy ounces. Height 12.5 cms. Spread 19 cms. Newcastle 1732*. By the prestigious Newcastle maker Isaac Cookson.

Literature: Early teapots were of small capacity because of the rarity of tea. Although there are a few 17th century teapots in existence, there is little likelihood of finding one dating before 1710. The earlier the teapot the smaller they tend to be as tea was a very expensive commodity until the middle of the reign of George I

Signed/Inscribed: * The date letter is probably gothic ‘M’ for 1732, possibly “N” for 1733. The makers mark is Isaac Cookson’s earlier mark which was superseded by another mark with a straight underside by 1738.

This pretty teapot is in very good and fully functional condition with no damage. The silver marks, lion and Newcastle leopards head, are clear and easy to read, the date letter is faint and only partially struck; the lid is unmarked. The engraved decoration is sharp and original. The pot has been tested for water retention and does not leak. There has been a solder repair to the hinge on the lid (see photo). Inside there is a mark at the base of the handle, probably in the make, there is nothing visible on the outside. The wooden handle is secure but with a very slight movement. 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.

Maker: Isaac Cookson

Isaac Cookson is most famous of the early Georgian Newcastle silversmiths. Free in 1726 after his apprenticeship to Francis Batty, he worked in London for about a year as journeyman for the leading silversmiths including George Wickes and possibly Paul de Lamerie. Returning to Newcastle he quickly established himself as the leading craftsman in the area and developed a flourishing business based in the shop previously owned by the late Francis Batty II. His large workshop employed many apprentices including John Langlands and John Goodrick who acquired the business in 1755. Cookson died in 1757.

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