Description

A very charming antique silver teapot of small size and globular form. With a plain body, straight spout, and wooden handle. The engraved decoration to the top has a circular band of hatching interspersed with shells, faces and scrolls. Hand engraved to the front is a crest of a swan. Excellent colour and traces of the original hammered finish.

Contains 300ml.
Weight 277g, 8.9 troy oz.
Height 10.5cm. Spread 17.3cm.
London 1731.
Maker William Darker.
Sterling silver.

The bullet shaped teapot is probably one of the best known types of the George II period and the lid of this one has a cleverly concealed flush hinge which is difficult to distinguish as the engraver has continued the decoration over this area.

Marks. Stamped underneath the body with a full set of English silver hallmarks, lion mark inside the lid

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.