Description

Used Exclusively for a Tea Service

From our Silver collection, we are delighted to introduce this exceptionally rare Shagreen and Silver Tea Spoon Box. The Box of miniature knife box shape veneered in green shagreen to the exterior with a silver top loop handle, shaped lock and escutcheon and twin loop handles to the sides. The Key of the box is located on a braided rope and attached to the left loop handle. When opened the Tea Spoon Box reveals a full accessory box for serving tea with twelve sterling silver tea spoons hallmarked Thomas Chawner, a pair of mote spoons and a single sugar tong. The Shagreen and Silver Tea Spoon Box is an extremely rare example used for the highest class of society while entertaining their guests over a cup of tea and dates to the second half of the 18th century Georgian period during the reign of George III circa 1775.

The Shagreen and Silver Tea Spoon Box comes complete with a working lock and key.

Measurements (Inches) 6.3 High x 4.9 Wide x 2.95 Deep

Literature Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue page 69

Shagreen is a natural hide typically from a Shark, Stingray or Dogfish. Shagreen saw a major boom during the Art Deco period where it was used as a covering for writing desks and well-dressed cabinetry.

Thomas Chawner (1734-c.1802-1811) was born  to John Chawner and Anne, nee Chaloner, of Muslane in Derbyshire. Thomas apprenticed to Ebenezer Coker on the 4th of December 1754 on payment of £30, he was free from the 13th January 1762. Livery, December 1771. Heal records him as plate worker at 60 Paternoster Row, London from 1759, both alone and in partnership with William Chawner. He was also documented at Red Lion Street, Clerkenwell from 1767 where he appears as spoon maker. His first mark was entered on the 15th of October 1773 at 60 Paternoster Row, his second mark on the 1st of November 1775 and third mark on the 31st of May 1783 at 9 Ave Maria Lane, where Heal records him till 1785.

Mote Spoon, a multi-use spoon with a perforated bowl and spiked end often made from Silver. A Mote spoon’s primary use was to collect tea from a cup and act as a sieve leaving the water behind and collecting the loose leaf. The secondary use was to unblock the spout of a teapot with a sharp end. Moat spoons are relatively rare

Sterling Silver refers to the alloy of metal containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or zinc. Sterling Silver objects are stamped with the 925 mark to confirm their authenticity.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information