Object Description
Rare Victorian silver tea and coffee set by Edward C. Brown
English, 1867
Milk jug: Height 7.5cm, width 14cm, depth 10cm
Teapot on stand: Height 29cm, width 23cm, depth 20cm
Crafted by Edward Charles Brown, a distinguished Victorian silversmith, this elaborate tea and coffee collection hails from the late 19th century. Boasting a teapot, a coffee pot, a sugar bowl, and a creamer, each piece in this set exhibits masterful manipulation of silver and silver-gilt, underscored by a variety of skilled artisanal techniques.
Designed as kettle drums, every item in this collection is adorned with silver-gilt rope patterns and decorated with an array of captivating motifs that convey traditional musical and hunting themes, reminiscent of aristocratic military regalia. This splendid collection thus exudes a palpable sense of luxury and refined aesthetics.
All components, save for the teapot, rest on triads of lion mask and paw legs. Remarkably, the pouring spouts on three pieces mimic the roaring maws of lions, while the teapot is elevated by three vivid lion legs sculpted from forms that mimic lion fur. These distinctive accents reinforce the hunting motif into the collection.
The milk jug and teapot lids are seamlessly hinged and embellished with drumstick finials nestled atop a musical score and a wreath of laurel leaves. These musical motifs serve to reinforce the overarching musical theme. The handles of the pieces, designed as coiled belts and buckles, display expert craftsmanship, and contribute further to the set’s striking look. The ones gracing the teapot and the milk jug are sheathed in rattan, a thoughtful detail to mitigate the heat from the metal when filled with hot beverages.
Each piece is also meticulously engraved with a coat of arms on the front, which are of the 2nd Marquess of Ailsa, KT, Archibald Kennedy (25 August 1816-20 March 1870). The arms are encircled by the Latin motto of the Scottish Order of the Thistle ‘Nemo me impune lacessit’ (‘No one assaults me with impunity’). The Kennedy clan motto ‘Avise la Fin’ (‘Consider the end’) also features.
Brown’s journey as a silversmith began as an apprentice to George J Richards in 1845. However, Brown distinguished himself with his unique maker’s mark – ‘ECB’ ensconced within a trefoil, registered in 1867, and secured for himself a lasting reputation of expert craft.
Brown’s creations remain highly sought after. Embodying the craftsmanship of an esteemed silversmith, this tea and coffee collection is an unparalleled choice for admirers of quality silver making or hunting and music aficionados.