Teapot
ca.1840 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Britannia was a very inexpensive alternative to other metallic goods. It was not as durable. " A teapot….costing seven or eight shillings, will probably not last twelve months, while a teapot of German silver, costing about three pounds, will last fifty years. "From Cookery and Domestic Economy for Young Housewives", 1845
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Britannia metal, embossed decoration, hinged lid, cast feet |
| Brief description | Teapot, Britannia metal, England, made ca.1840 |
| Physical description | Britannia metal teapot, stamped in sections and soldered together. Hinged lid with finial. Four feet, probably cast. Stamped and engraved ornament. Front moulding slightly damaged. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Impressed: Factory number 9706 |
| Gallery label | 11. TEAPOT
Britannia metal
English, about 1840
Britannia was a very inexpensive alternative to other metallic goods. It was not as durable. 'A teapot … costing seven or eight shillings, will probably not last twelve months, while a teapot of German silver, costing about three pounds, will last fifty years.' From Cookery and Domestic Economy for Young Housewives, 1845.
M.25 -1999
Britannia metal is softer and easier to work than nickel silver and can be cast, stamped, raised or spun into shape. However, it is less hardwearing, tarnishes a deep grey and is difficult to re-plate. Britannia metal casts well, as antimony in the alloy causes the metal to expand on cooling, creating sharp, accurate impressions of the moulds(14/01/2004) |
| Object history | Britannia was a very inexpensive alternative to other metallic goods. It was not as durable. " A teapot….costing seven or eight shillings, will probably not last twelve months, while a teapot of German silver, costing about three pounds, will last fifty years. " From Cookery and Domestic Economy for Young Housewives, 1845 |
| Historical context | Britannia metal was a cheaply made product for the bottom end of the market as an inexpensive silver substitute. |
| Summary | Britannia was a very inexpensive alternative to other metallic goods. It was not as durable. " A teapot….costing seven or eight shillings, will probably not last twelve months, while a teapot of German silver, costing about three pounds, will last fifty years. "From Cookery and Domestic Economy for Young Housewives", 1845 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.25-1999 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | February 15, 2000 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
