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Teapot, part of a three-piece service

Lewis Cary (American, 1798–1834)
about 1834
Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Medium/Technique Silver
Dimensions 20.5 x 28.5 x 14.5 cm (8 1/16 x 11 1/4 x 5 11/16 in.)
Credit Line Bequest of Eleanor Clarke Bowser
Accession Number1976.55
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsSilver hollowware

DescriptionTeapot has an elliptically-shaped body with a hipped, stepped upper section. The cover is domed and fitted with mushroom finials. It has seamed bezels attached to a plain edge and a three-part hinge. The high reverse-curved spout with cut-back tip is applied at the middle of the body over an ellipse of strainer holes. Its high curved hollow-handle has a narrow band of ivory near the top and bottom joints, with an applied reverse scroll ornament on top and slight up-curve at bottom. It is applied to the body at the hip slightly below the middle. The body is set on a raised molded base of conforming elliptical shape with an applied vertical rim.
The teapot has a large dent and several smaller ones on one side.
Marks "Cary" in upper case letters within a rectangle
Inscriptions"K" in script on bottom
Provenance[1]By descent to Elenor Clarke Bowser; January 14, 1976, bequest of Bowser to MFA.
[1]Donor claimed piece was given to her great-great-grandfather upon his retirement in 1835 from the post of Sergeant-at-arms of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. However, this post was not created until 1835, and the identity of donor's great-great-grandfather has not been determined