Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Tea Caddy / Sugar Caster, Baronet Coat of Arms (Heathcote) - Samuel Taylor 1753

Description and Details 

We are delighted to have acquired and offer this wonderful Georgian solid silver gilt tea caddy made by Samuel Taylor in London, 1753. 

This tea caddy presents the arms for Heathcote (quartering Rayner) with an escutcheon of a Baronet (symbolised by the left "Hand of Ulster").

The arms are most probably for Sir Gilbert Heathcote, 3rd Baronet of Normanton Park, Ruland or his brother John Heathcote of Conington Castle, Huntingdon. 

The entire caddy is fully gilt with a rich and lustrous tone of gold that glistens magnificently under natural light. 

The bulbous form of the caddy is embellished by asymmetric Rococo ornamentations of writhen fluting, chased flowers and foliate motifs - overall a very attractive and majestic piece. 

The lid sits on top with a good tight closure and an artichoke finial to aid with its opening. Later piercings are present on the top to allow for the caddy to be used also as a sugar caster. 

The caster is fully hallmarked to the base and partially to the lid with English hallmarks. 

With such heraldic interest and opulence in its design, it would certainly grace a collection of antique wares or serve as a distinct yet practical piece of silverware in a luxurious dining setting due to its distinguishing gold-tone and versatile design. 

- A pair of silver-gilt dishes with Heathcote Coat of Arms were sold at Christie's for £15,000 on the 17th Nov 2009 (lot 276) (https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5261782)

- Another example with Heathcote's arms: A pair of silver-gilt boxes which are now in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/236590)

*All images with other wares are for display purposes only - these pieces may be purchased separately. 

Size