George I Antique Silver Teapot, London 1716.

Object Description

A fine and rare early English silver teapot of bullet form with a simple ring foot and carved wooden fruit wood handle and finial. Lovely plain shape with a straight spout and small size. Early teapots were of small capacity because of the rarity of tea.

Contains 550ml.
Weight 461g, 14.8 troy oz.
Height 11cm, 4.3ins. Spread 20cm, 7.8ins.
London 1716.
Maker Pierre Platel, Huguenot maker and master to Paul de Lamerie.
Britannia standard silver, 95.8% purity

Marks. Stamped under the base and lid with a full set of English silver hallmarks.

Maker: Pierre Platel

Pierre Platel, an important Hugeunot silversmith, born c.1664 in Lille, arrived in England with his brother Claude in 1688. Endenizened in 1697 and free by redemption in 1699 when his mark as a largeworker was entered. Married Elizabeth Peterson in 1700 at St. James’ Piccadilly. Paul de Lamerie was apprenticed to him in 1703 and stayed until 1713. Platel died in 1719.

Platel appears as himself in Hogarth’s engraving of the Sheriff’s Banquet (plate 8 of the Idle and Industrious Apprentice).

His most important pieces belong either to the Bentinck or Cavendish families (closely associated with William III) including the rare and jewel like gold ewer and dish, 1701. He made the toilet service, 1701 at Wellbeck (later pieces added by Clausen and Pyne) and a set of casters, 1709. At Chatsworth is the gold ewer and dish and cup and cover, 1717. In the Farrer Collection, Ashmolean Museum is a chocolate pot, 1702 and cup and cover, 1705.

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Object 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.

Britannia Standard. In 1696, so extensive had become the melting and clipping of coinage that the silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares, but had to use a new higher standard, 95.8 per cent. New hallmarks were ordered, “the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia” and the lion’s head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard’s head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today.

Object Condition

This exceptional little teapot is in very good condition with slight wear typical for its age. The handle is nice and tight. The pot has been tested for water retention and does not leak. The lid moves slightly.

Object Details