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Teapot
about 1725–35
Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
13.02 x 22.86 cm (5 1/8 x 9 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Simone and Alan Hartman
Accession Number1991.1018
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsSilver hollowware
DescriptionGlobular, apple-shaped teapot has stepped, splayed foot soldered to base, faceted spout with slender baluster drop affixed over uniformly cut strainer holes, and modern handle. Sockets are roughly shield-shaped in section, as is the spout; baluster drop appears below upper socket. Complex, design of scallops, diaper patterns, diamonds, broken scrolls engraved on shoulder. Circular, inset lid with three-part hinge; bell-shaped finial with replaced wooden spacer in the shape of a flattened sphere. Engraved design on lid consists of scribed circle at edge and four evenly spaced bellflowers, with petals pointing toward finial.
BASE AND FOOT ARE PROBABLY MODERN.
BASE AND FOOT ARE PROBABLY MODERN.
Marks
Marked "JOHN BURT" in a rounded rectangle four times on base, evenly spaced around center point.
MARK MAY BE SPURIOUS; AWAITING LAB REPORT FROM MFA.
MARK MAY BE SPURIOUS; AWAITING LAB REPORT FROM MFA.
InscriptionsOn the base appear the initials "B / S M" at center. In addition, effaced engraving reads "Waters / John Rebecca]. Scratch weight is "z/ 17" 7"
ProvenanceUnknown. Effaced engraved names tentatively identified as John and Rebecca Waters, married in ____ on April 26, 1722, although it is not clear whether these individuals were the original owners or rather, whether the silversmith/FAKER utilized an existing piece of silver in his shop bearing these names to devise the set-in base for a new client. Initials "B/ S M" have not been identified.
Purchased at Phillips auction house by the donors in 1982___?.
Purchased at Phillips auction house by the donors in 1982___?.