Chocolate Pot

Chocolate Pot

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Description
Repousse decorated, baluster- or pear-shaped teapot with double-domed, hinged lid topped by a cast banch of fruit on a domed circular foot. Ruffled C-scroll and shell reserves on both sides of seamed body are engraved with a heraldic device depicting the crest of a lion rampant erased on a coronet encircled by the motto "VITÆ VIA VIRTUS"; trailing branches of flowers and fruits fill rest of space above chased diaper- and fishscale-pattern grounds on underbelly. Broken S-curve ivory handle is pinned into a split-scroll lower socket and flared upper socket with mask on underside. Body open at S curve spout. Underside of rounded, seamed bottom is struck with five hallmarks arranged in a diamond or lozenge shape.
Maker is Alice Burrows and George Burrows II of London, England; in partnership, 1801-1819. Alice Burrows was the wife of silversmith George Burrows I (w. 1769-1799); she and her son, George II, are believed to have continued his business until 1819 when George II registered his own mark, probably following the death of his mother.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
pot, chocolate
date made
1816-1817
place made
United Kingdom: England, London
Physical Description
silver (body; lid material)
ivory (handle material)
Measurements
overall: 8 7/8 in x 9 in x 4 3/8 in; 22.5425 cm x 22.86 cm x 11.1125 cm
ID Number
DL.383730
catalog number
383730
accession number
166645
Credit Line
Bequest of Kate Session Marsh
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Domestic Life
Domestic Furnishings
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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