A rare George III provincial sterling silver tea urn, Newcastle 1795 by John Robertson I and David Darling (active 10 July 1795 – 8 Nov 1796)

Of circular vase form with reeded rims with reeded twin handles, upon a pedestal square base raised upon four reeded splay feet. A pull off centrally raised domed lid surmounted by a urn finial. The spigot tap with a pull out turning section. Bright cut engraved decoration to the body and base. The front with a ribbon tied cartouche engraved with contemporaneous initials GBD in flourished cursive script. The reverse with the same cartouche engraved with a presentation inscription reading “ A gift from the owners of the ship Traveller to Mrs Dunn 1796”. Fully marked to the front base, lion passant and duty mark only to lid bezel.

Height – 36cm / 14.25 inches

Weight – 1370 grams / 44.05 ozt

A tea urn is recorded in the list of items sent for assay by this partnership in Margaret Gill, Directory of Newcastle Goldsmiths (1980).

“Robertson and Darling, Goldsmiths and Jewellers, No 21, Dean-Street, Newcastle. John Robertson (late copartner in the House of Langlands and Robertson) … begs Permission to inform his Friends and the Public, that, in Consequence of the Dissolution of the Partnership between Langlands and Roberston, he has opened a new Shop in Dean-Street, and taken into Partnership with him Mr David Darling … entirely new and elegant Assortment of Gold, Silver and Jewellery Goods, and also Cuttlery and Japanned Wares of all Descriptions, which have been selected with the utmost Care, from the first and most fashionable Quarters in London and elsewhere…” 11 July 1795.