Antique Silver Teapots
The perfect gift or addition to a tea set for those who enjoy a cup of tea, a silver teapot is a very valuable antique piece, fashionable and attractive they look impressive to serve guests the quaint essential English afternoon tea from. One of silvers properties being that it retains heat very well, therefore keeping one’s tea warmer for a longer of period of time, it is also a useful antique piece. Durable and hardwearing as well as an object of beauty in itself, an antique silver pot is a sound investment, whatever its chosen purpose.
History of Teapots
Teapots are thought to have originated from Chinese culture, where ceramic kettles and wine pots were a household feature over thousands of years. Invented in the Yuan dynasty, around 220 BCE, originally loose leaves were used in a teapot, by the time of the Ming dynasty teapots had become increasingly popular.
The earliest form of teapots were small and designed just for individuals. However by the end of the 17th C tea was imported into Europe from China, alongside imported tea was porcelain teapots, originally tea drinking was reserved for the upper classes due to the expense of tea itself. During the 18th C drinking tea gained in popularity in Europe, it was during this time that the first silver teapot was thought to have been produced; Queen Victoria herself had a penchant for silver teapots and they have been suggestive of wealth and luxury ever since.
Types and Influences on Antique Silver Teapots
The shape of the teapot has undertaken a few design alterations over the years; a round teapot was favoured between 1730-1760, with the pear shape briefly being in favour in the 1730s. Between 1810-1835 sides of teapots may have been straight, after 1810 the teapot became bigger and throughout the 19th C the rounder teapot was favoured. It is now a feature of nearly every household, with an antique silver teapot making for a particularly special piece.
When purchasing an antique silver teapot it is important to look for hallmarks to determine where the silver teapot was made, the manufacturer and the year it was produced. Influential and notable antique silver teapot makers include Robert Scott; James Dakin, S Blackensee and Sons Ltd; Henry Atkins; Henry Holland; William Hunter; Elkington and Co; Roberts and Belk; Walker and Hall; Richard Woodman Burbridge; Richard Crossley and Soloman Hougham.
When purchasing an antique silver teapot, if it is made from less than 92.5% silver it is not considered sterling silver. Antique silver teapots tend to have uneven holes on the inside that led to the spout, perfectly rounded holes would suggest that the teapot was made in the 20th C. It is important to note that if the solid silver teapot does not have an insulated or padded base it is possible the base could damage what it is placed upon if it is hot. Antique silver teapots may have the occasional tarnished spots and the handle may be worn from use over the years.
Silver is typically a soft metal, so when silver teapots were made they were mixed with copper; this does not however diminish their value. An unusual shaped antique silver teapot may be more desirable as it is rare; a silver teapot with the Scottish silver hallmark of a thistle stamp is also desirable as they are extremely rare.
Antique silver teapots need not be used for their original purpose, a Victorian or Georgian silver teapot is attractive to display in the home or to use as a vase, a pretty alternative to hold bunches of delicate flowers. An antique silver teapot is a very valuable piece and worthy of investment.
