Tea Caddy Spoon
Date1837
Mediumsterling silver
Dimensions3 inches (7.6 cm)
Markingshallmarks on the inside of the handle loop: CL [in rectangle]; leopards head; B [gothic, in shield]; lion passant; kings head;
incused L may be retailers mark
Credit LineGift of Frank A. Rizza, M.D. and family.
Object number2012.15.104
CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextA tea caddy spoon used for measuring out dried tea leaves from a tea caddy, or container. Traditionally made of silver, and often designed with a handle that hooks over the side of a tea caddy, they were in common use in the 19th century. Tea caddy spoons of good quality, such as this one, were made from one piece of silver, eliminating any weakness from the bowl being soldered to the handle. Silver was the preferred material when it came to caddy spoons, as tea was an expensive commodity, and using a silver utensil was seen to enhance the taste of the tea.