Object Description
This is an exceptional and very rare antique English George III sterling silver teapot by the world famous silversmith, Paul Storr, 1810 in date.
This splendid teapot is of a delightful shape and it is profusely chased with half ribbed fluting decoration. It is further embellished with wonderful foliate and shell motifs around the body and on the spout with stunning gadrooned shaped borders to the top of the teapot and the base. The remarkable quality flush hinged lid is also beautifully surmounted by a delightful round finial.
It features an exceptional novelty reptilian handle with striking details, proving the silversmith’s exceptional mastery in the creation of unique and luxurious silverware – Paul Storr never tired of adding detail to create a true piece of artwork.
The side of the teapot, as well as the lid, bear full hallmarks: the Lion passant for sterling silver, the leopard head for London, the letter ‘R’ for 1812 and the maker’s marks ‘PS’ for Paul Storr.
There is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any discerning collector.
Condition:
In excellent condition with clear hallmarks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 16 cm x Width 28 cm x Depth 18 cm
Weight 1.12 kg
Dimensions in inches:
Height 6 inches x Width 11 inches x Depth 7 inches
Weight 2.5 lbs
Paul Storr
born in London England in 1771, was to become one of the most talented silversmiths of the nineteenth century. Today his legacy of exceptionally well crafted silver, found worldwide in museums and private collections, leaves one in awe when compared to that of his contemporaries.After having served a seven year apprenticeship from the age of 14, he began his career in 1792 when he went into a brief partnership with William Frisbee. This did not last and in 1793 a new mark, (his initials ‘P S’) was entered. By the beginning of the nineteenth century he had established himself as one of London’s top silversmiths producing, amongst others, commissions for Royalty.
In 1801 he married Elizabeth Susanna Beyer with whom he was to have ten children. In 1807 Paul Storr entered into a working relationship with Philip Rundell and by 1811 was a partner, and managing the workshops for Rundell, Bridge & Rundell.
During this period he kept his own marks and separate workshop. However it was through Rundell, Bridge & Rundell who were appointed Goldsmith in Ordinary to George III in 1804 that his reputation as a master silversmith grew. His talents lay in being able to transform ideas and designs from Rundell, Bridge & Rundell’s designers, William Theed II, the chief modeller and head of the design department, and later John Flaxman II who succeeded him in 1817. During this period Rundell, Bridge & Rundell’s reputation grew due to the patronage of the Prince Regent (later George IV).
Our reference: A4385