William III Antique Silver Coffee Pot, London 1701.

Object Description

A handsome old English antique silver coffee or chocolate pot with the straight tapering sides and domed lid typical of the period. Initially, these tall form pots (as averse to the squatter teapot shape) were used for both coffee and chocolate. Side handle. Large size and good weight. To the front there is a large hand engraved armorial and crest. A nice feature is the little hinged flap on the end of the spout.

Weight 777g, 24.9 troy oz.
Height 26cm, 10.2ins. Diameter of top 7cm, of the base 11.5cm.
Contains 1100 ml.
London 1701.
Maker William Gamble.
Britannia standard silver. High grade silver, 95.8% pure.

Marks. With a full set of clear English silver hallmarks on the undernside, lid with lion mark.

Arms. The contemporary engraved achievement of arms is not hatched, and it is impossible to say with certainty whose it is. However, by a process of elimination, these marital arms are likely to be for a Husband of Suffolk and his wife, a Cobbold also of Suffolk.

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.

Maker: William Gamble

William Gamble, London silversmith, apprenticed to John Sutton, 1680, free 1688. Gamble entered 2 marks on 1688 and registered a third mark, Britannia Standard, in 1697. Livery 1705, Court 1724, Touchwarden 1730. William took 2 apprentices, Samuel Jeffries and Humphrey Cripps. Died after 1732.

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Object Literature

Britannia Standard silver. 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 handsome antique silver chocolate pot is in very good condition. The engraving is still quite sharp. The wooden handle is in good condition. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age.

Object Details