Object Description
This is an exceptional and very rare antique English George IV sterling silver teapot by the world-famous silversmith, Paul Storr, bearing hallmarks for Paul Storr and dated 1830.
This splendid teapot is of a delightful lobed melon shape and is profusely chased with half ribbed fluting decoration with a short fluted scroll spout and leaf-capped handle on a shaped foot, with a hinged cover with a decorative compressed finial, stamped Storr & Mortimer 188 to the base.
It features an exceptional novelty leaf-capped 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 underside of the teapot, as well as the lid, bears full hallmarks: the Lion passant for sterling silver, the leopard head for London, the letter ‘P’ for 1830, and the maker’s marks ‘PS’ for Paul Storr.
Ivory insulators, APHA exemption certificate J7N3KNHB.
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 the photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 14 cm x Width 28.5 cm x Depth 17 cm
Weight 0.70 kg
Dimensions in inches:
Height 5 inches x Width 11 inches x Depth 7 inches
Weight 22.5 troy oz
Paul Storr
born in London, England in 1771, he 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 a 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).
Storr & Mortimer
was a prestigious 19th-century London goldsmith and silversmith firm founded in 1822 by celebrated silversmith Paul Storr and retailer John Mortimer. Operating primarily from New Bond Street, they became renowned for exceptionally high-quality luxury silver and held a Royal Warrant until the firm was renamed Hunt & Roskell.
Our reference: A5303