Tea Sets For Sale

Antique Sterling Silver Teasets

Early teapots were of a heavy gauge of silver often crude and with little decoration. In the 18^th century it was usual for teapots to be quite small which reflected the high cost of tea, often pear shaped and usually engraved with an armorial. By the mid to late 1700's teapots often took on the tradition bullet shape with decorative finials and decorative engravings. These early teapots are highly sought after by collectors.

The fashions that affected society can be seen in the design of teapots over the years, Rocco designs, later classical or federal designs are also sought after items.

The neo classical period of the late 1700's saw the drum or cylindrical teapot become fashionable. One popular silversmith Hester Bateman made many fine examples which are often available for sale. As the 1700's rolled into the 1800's design popularity changed and the Regency shape teapot became popular. These drum, oval shape teapots were usually heavier. Fashions changed and the oval boat shape became popular. The Victorians took working with silver to new levels and this period saw a large number of highly decorated and beautiful teapots crafted.

The teapot soon became the teaset with the addition of the milk jug,sugar bowl,hot water jug,slop bowl,tea kettle and tray

A teaset can be a combination of the above, the modern set will be 3 piece and consist of the teapot,cream jug and sugar bowl.

Always check that the set you are buying has identical hallmarks where possible (these command the best prices) and that the pattern matches on all pieces.

Tea Kettles are very collectable and sought after. They consist of a kettle, stand and burner. There purpose was to provide a supply of hot water to top up the teapot or teaservice.They are much rarer and will be more expensive due to the greater amount of silver and workmanship involved. They often very impressive.