I just came into possession of this lovely small tea pot (only 4.5" high at handle). I spotted tiny hallmarks on the finial (see photos), that I think they indicate 1830 Sheffield? But I can’t identify the makers mark… it appears to be: ‘T. L or E or B or D’ over ‘& Co’… any ideas?
The base has been repaired sometime in the distant past and appears to be silver plated on a copper base? So does that means the entire teapot is silver plated, and if it’s 1830 would it still be EP or Old Sheffield Plate? Any insights would be so appreciated! Cheers, Simon
Bartholomew has identified the maker perfectly. I note that the hallmarks are only on the lid finial so that suggests to me that it is the only silver and that the rest of the teapot is most likely plated. Are there any marks on the inside of the lid or any other part of the body of the pot?
Phil
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OSP is much more likely for 1830 than electroplate which didn’t get going until after 1840. I don’t have any experience of OSP but you may be able find an edge where the plate thickness should confirm OSP.
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Thank you so much… that’s certainly it. And I’ve now found out this Sheffield business was only operational from 1810 to 1832, so probably not too many examples still around?
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Sadly no other hallmarks, so I’m assuming the body is silver plated? Being 1830 I’d like to think it’s OSP, but can’t see any edges showing layers… could it be very early EP?
