A George II provincial sterling silver teapot, Newcastle 1732 by Thomas Makepeace I (free. 1727, d. 1739)

Of compressed spherical ‘bullet’ form upon a spreading circular foot, the curved spout with moulded details opposite a later late 18^th century unmarked silver handle fitted with ivory insulators pinned to cylindrical sockets. The hinged gently domed flush lid surmounted by a compressed spherical knop finial. The sides with a later late 18^th century engraved coat of arms and a crest to the opposing side of a leopard passant bezantée, collared and lined, holding in the Dexter paw a trefoil slipped, each within a beaded oval cartouche reserved with foliage, above ribbon tied crossed laurel and palm branches, and all below tied ribbon. The upper section between body and lid with contemporaneous flat chased decoration of strapwork intersecting hexagonal strapwork with interspersed with mascles, heightened with foliate scrolls, and at three points with a masks of a crowned Saracens head reserved with rustication. The lid with incised concentric lines. The interior of the lid with an engraved inscription reading “The Owners Gift of y^e Newcastle martch to Tho^s Harvey”. Fully marked underneath, the lid unmarked.

Length – 22.5 cm / 8.9 inches

Weight – 474 grams / 15.24 ozt

There was an attorney in Newcastle in the 1780’s by the name of Thomas Harvey, who was chiefly involved in the Stote Manby case. Given that the later engraving likely comes from the 1780’s this could potentially be the recipient relating to this description. The heraldry relates to the Harvey family of Suffolk and Devon.

Ivory declaration: 188RK6KM