Georgian sterling silver shell-shaped caddy spoon, London 1814
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1814
This antique Georgian caddy spoon is crafted from sterling silver and dates to 1814. The piece features a distinct shell-shaped bowl, a classic design element characteristic of early 19th-century silver tea accessories.
Designed for measuring loose tea leaves from a tea caddy, the spoon has a short, rounded handle that transitions into the fluted, fan-like bowl. The object bears hallmarks for London, 1814, attributing its manufacture to the silversmith Thomas Richards. With a physical weight of approximately 22.8 grams, the spoon reflects the craftsmanship and functional elegance typical of the Georgian era. Its construction is solid, showcasing the ornate yet practical style favored for domestic tea service during this period.
The shell motif is executed with fine radial fluting, which gives the bowl its organic, scalloped appearance. This piece serves as a formal example of British domestic silver from the early 19th century.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 22.8 grams
- Material
- sterling silver
Design
- Bowl
- shell shaped
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Thomas Richards
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.