Early 19th Century Sheffield Plate Tea and Coffee Service, American- 4 Pieces

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Coffee and Chocolate were both introcuced into England
in the Mid-17th Century, and were to become
an important part of … Read more Coffee and Chocolate were both introcuced into England
in the Mid-17th Century, and were to become
an important part of social life, with more than four hundred
coffee houses in London alone. The earliest known silver coffee
pot is hallmarked 1681 and is in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
It is quite likely that some pots were used for coffee or chocolate.
True chocolate pots come with a removable finial for inserting a
swizzel stick.
In the early 19th century the shape and decor of coffee
and tea pots changed to a more squat, and more oblong than
during the 18th century.
Matching sets were first made in any quantity from about 1785
on. Prior to this date, each item had a style of it's own.
Sheffield plate is a layered combination of silver and copper that was used for many years to produce a wide range of household articles. Almost every article made in sterling silver was also crafted by Sheffield makers, who used this manufacturing process to produce nearly identical wares at far less cost.
Some old Sheffield plate items are very sought after.
This set is a true American Antique. See less