George II Silver Coffee Pot

Object Description

A good plain style antique silver coffee pot with straight tapering sides, a shallow domed lid, and a shaped ivory handle. Uninscribed. Good gauge silver and excellent colour.

Contains 1050 ml.

Weight 917 grams, 29.4 troy ounces.

Height 23cm. Spread 21cm. Diameter of base 11.7cm.

London 1734.

Makers mark “R.I”, mark not in register, possibly John Richardson I.

Sterling silver.

Marks. A full set of clear English silver hallmarks under the base, the lid has one rubbed mark, probably the lion passant.

JOHN RICHARDSON I
John Richardson, London silver maker, apprenticed to Richard Watts1715, free 1723. Two marks (New Standard and Starling) entered as largeworker 1723. According to Grimwade, Richardson’s career as silversmith possibly didn’t last very long and he took up service as a soldier to King George II.

Object Literature

Coffee and chocolate were established as part of social life by the end of the 17th 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

The coffee pot is in very good condition. The pot has been tested for water retention and does not leak.

Object Details