Teapot

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This silver drum-shaped teapot was made by Edinburgh silversmith Patrick Robertson, in 1774-5.

The teapot has straight sides rising from a plain moulded base. The sides are engraved with garlands of flowers and drapery. The teapot has a wooden handle and the teapot lid has a wooden knob which is inset with a silver disc.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, owning a silver teapot indicated status, wealth and taste. Tea was initially very expensive and in the 18th century teapots were small. In the 19th century tea became cheaper, more was drunk and teapots became larger.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-063-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MEQ 1133 B
• Date: 1774 - 1775
  1774 - 1775
  1774-5
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: PR; [Edinburgh mark]; u [gothic]; on side: stag's head [below] VIGILANTIA
  Silver; wood, light brown. Inscription: PR; [Edinburgh mark]; u [gothic]
  Lid, teapot
  
• Dimensions: 125 mm H x 220 mm L x 115 mm body D
  89 mm D
  
• What: Lid, teapot
  
• Subject: Gold and silver (NMAS Classification)
  Gold and silver (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Patrick Robertson, Edinburgh (Silversmith)
  Patrick Robertson, Edinburgh (Silversmith)
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver drum-shaped teapot with sides engraved with swags of flowers and drapery, by Patrick Robertson, Edinburgh, 1774 - 1775, inscribed "Vigilantia" above a stag's head
  Silver teapot lid with an engraved wavy border round the edge and a light brown wooden button finial set with a silver disc, by Patrick Robertson, Edinburgh, 1774 - 1775
  
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