Coffee and tea service (4 pc.)

Object Number: 
1950.186a-d
Date: 
1871, 1885
Medium: 
Silver
Dimensions: 
Overall: 6 1/4 x 11 1/4 x 5 5/8 in. (15.9 x 28.6 x 14.3 cm)
Marks: 
Inscription: all pieces engraved at front centers: "1871" in overlapping gothing numerals Inscription: all pieces engraved at back centers: "M A B" in overlapping gothic letters stamped: on bases of the teapot and creamer: fleur-di-lis over "STERLING" o
Description: 
Spun silver coffee and tea service consisting of a coffeepot, teapot, sugar bowl with lid and a creamer; plain hemispherical bodies made in halves and joined around the middle with a die-rolled decorative band of hearts and foliate scrolls on a textured ground between two plain bands; plain vertical footring; vertical beaded rims; low domed lids with a ball on disk finial; cast loop handles with pointed leaf thumb pieces and stylized acanthus attachments; "1871" engraved in overlapping gothic numerals on the front centers, "M A B" engraved in gothic script on the rear centers; maker's marks on the bases.
Gallery Label: 
According to the accession record, this coffee and tea service was made for the wedding of Marie Antoinette Baker and Fellows Davis on October 17, 1871. This is probably true of the coffeepot and sugar bowl as the date mark on the base indicates they were made in 1871. The teapot and creamer, on the other hand, have a fox head date mark, indicating they were made in 1885. It is possible that they were replacements for damage or lost originals, or the couple completed the service at a later date.
Credit Line: 
Gift of Mr. Dudley Davis in memory of his mother, Marie Antoinette Baker Davis
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
Creative: Tronvig Group