Tea Caddy Spoon
Date1849
Mediumsterling silver
Dimensions3 3/4 inches (9.5 cm)
Markingshallmarks on the handle back: [incused] r; JS / AS [in rectangle]; leopards head; lion passant; [gothic] O; queen's head
Credit LineGift of Frank A. Rizza, M.D. and family.
Object number2012.15.110
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 with a shell-shaped bowl, 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.
London silversmiths Joseph and Albert Savory were brothers in partnership with their father Adey Bellamy Savory in the firm A.B. Savory & Sons beginning in 1833. They registered their mark together in 1835.