Tea Caddy Spoon
Date1831
Mediumsterling silver
Dimensions4 inches (10.2 cm)
MarkingsMaker's mark on the handle back terminus: WC [in rectangle];
Hallmarks on the handle back terminus: king's head; q [in shield]; lion passant; leopard's head
Credit LineGift of Frank A. Rizza, M.D. and family.
Object number2012.15.107
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.
Silversmith William Chawner II was active as a spoonmaker in London from 1815 until his death in 1834. Apprenticed to Wm Eley and Geo. Fearn in London from 1797, in 1808 he became the third partner of Eley, Fearn & Chawner, spoonmakers. In 1815 he set up his own shop, Chawner & Co. His son, William II apprenticed with his father. Upon his death in 1834, his wife Mary, also a spoonmaker, continued the firm with her son (until he left to join the clergy in 1838) and son-in-law George Adams who became her partner in 1840. Chawner & Co. operated from 1840 to 1883, using the initials of George Adams as its makers mark.
