An early 18^th century Dutch silver teapot, Groningen 1735 by Helprich Ritzema

Of compressed baluster from with a domed pull off lid surmounted by a bell form finial. The cast beast head spout opposite a C scroll handle with a cast female head thumbpiece. The body with flat chased decoration of stylised acanthus leaves, fluting and a border of oval cartouches between rosettes. Later engraved underneath with initials MH in cursive script. Marked underneath 6 over K and makers mark HR ligatured. The base and lid marked with later Dutch tax mark (1814-93).

Length – 15.5 cm / 6.25 inches

Weight – 291 grams / 9.36 ozt

For another teapot by this maker with very similar if not the same castings to the handle and spout, sold Christie’s 3 Oct 2012, lot 28 (€1875 incl. premium)