George I Silver Chocolate Pot

Object Description

An early English antique silver chocolate pot with straight tapering sides and domed lid typical of the period. Shaped wooden handle and square shaped spout. The top has a removable central cover so that the chocolate can be stirred. Excellent colour.
Contains 800 ml.
Weight 617 grams, 19.8 troy ounces.
Height 21cm.
London 1726.
Maker Joseph Clare.
Sterling silver.

JOSEPH CLARE
Joseph Clare, apprenticed to Nathaniel Locke 1702., free 1712. 1st mark entered as largeworker 1713. 2nd (sterling mark) 1720. 3rd mark 1721. Died 1728.

Object Literature

Coffee and chocolate were established as part of social life by the end of the century and coffee pots can be found from the 1680’s onwards. Initially, these tall form pots (as averse to the squatter teapot shape) were used for both coffee and chocolate however we term chocolate pots to be those with either a removable finial or removable lid for inserting a swizzle stick. We also nominate some early side handled pots as chocolate pots.

Object Condition

This handsome antique silver chocolate pot is in very good condition. Stamped with a full set of English silver hallmarks on body, the lid and removable finial with lion mark only (standard practice at this early date). Excellent colour. This pot has been tested for water retention and does not leak. It pours superbly.
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.

Object Details