Caddy spoon
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1797-1798
This silver caddy spoon features a circular bowl with radial fluting radiating from a small central boss, forming a scalloped rim. It is fitted with a short, curved handle decorated with an incised, engraved border along its edges.
The spoon measures 2.4375 inches in length and 1.4375 inches in width. It bears Birmingham hallmarks dating to 1797–1798 alongside the maker's mark 'IT', identified as belonging to the silversmith Joseph Taylor, who produced small silver wares in Birmingham.
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.
Historical context
A caddy spoon is designed for taking and measuring dry tea from a tea caddy, made small enough to fit inside. English examples evolved in the mid-18th century as the Chinese tea bottle was replaced by the tea caddy with an opening wide enough for a dedicated measuring spoon. Caddy spoons were excluded from the 1790 English exemption for small silver articles and thus always required hallmarks. Maker Joseph Taylor worked in Birmingham, registered at the Assay Office, and produced smallwork including caddy spoons and vinaigrettes.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver, engraved
- Dimensions
- Length: 2.4375 in; Width: 1.4375 in
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: Research required; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: Birmingham hallmarks for 1797-8; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: Research required; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: Uidentified; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: Mark: IT; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: Research required; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required
- Maker recorded
- Taylor, Joseph
- Place recorded
- Birmingham
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Caddy spoon
- Museum object number
- 1228-1902
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.