George I Silver Teapot

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Object Description

A fine antique silver bullet shape teapot. Britannia standard silver. Lovely plain, globular form, with a straight spout and wooden handle. Very small size. This is a very early teapot. To the front is a hand engraved crest. A charming feature is the shaped little swivel nut seen below the lid finial.

Contains 400 ml, 14 fluid ounces which is about 2 cups.

Weight 224 grams, 7.2 troy ounces.

Height 11cm. Spread 19.5cm. Diameter of base 6.4cm.

London 1715.

Maker Francis Plymley.

Britannia Standard silver is 95.8% pure. 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 pure. 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.

Marks. Stamped underneath with a full set of English silver hallmarks. The lid with lions head erased mark.

FRANCIS PLYMLEY
Francis Plymley, London silversmith, apprenticed to Samuel Wastell 1706, free 1715. Mark entered as largeworker 1715.

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.

Object Condition

In very good condition. Pours beautifully. This pot has been water tested and doesn’t leak.

Object Details

Dealer Opening Times

By appointment only.

Dealer Contact

Telephone
+44 (0)207 288 1939
Mobile
+44 (0)7904 297419
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Email

Dealer Location

Vault 31-32
The London Silver Vaults
53-64 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1QS

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