Artist/Maker
William G. Forbes
(1751 - 1840)
Tea caddy
ca. 1800
Place madeNew York, New York
Silver
Overall (height): 7 1/4 in., 13 oz (troy) (18.4 cm, 20.2 g)
Purchase
2015.51
The tea caddy is engraved with the Beekman coat of arms and initials of Mary Bedlow (1771-1845), who married John Beekman (1768-1843) in 1792. Though separated at a later date, the caddy was originally part of a larger tea set also marked by William G. Forbes (1911.37a-e).
The stately vessel, which secured its contents under lock and key, underscores the preciousness of the imported tea leaves that it once held.
DescriptionSeamed, oval, convex-sided tea caddy with oval foot ring, and tiered, oval,hinged lid with boat-shaped tureen finial. Body embellished with series of bright-cut engraved bands, including dogtooth band along foot ring; leaf bands at foot and lower shoulder of lid; wide floral and leaf band along shoulder of body; scroll-molded band at rim of body; and beaded band at rim of lid. Lock located at front, with mechanism contained in interior sleeve and affixed with silver bolts. Lock and interior sleeve probably replaced during the nineteenth century.
MarkingsMark: “WGFORBES” in script characters in rectangular surround stamped along underside of base.
InscribedInscription “MB” in foliate script, framed with foliate sprays, engraved at center-back; arms and crest of the Beekman family engraved at center-front.
ClassificationsSILVER
