Lot 137
Aberdeen - a Scottish provincial bullet teapot
Auction: 13 February 2008 at 11:00 GMT
Description
by Alexander Forbes of Aberdeen, circa 1740, marked ABD (in large punch), ABD (small punch), ABD (small punch), WJ, flower head, WJ, of spherical form with applied moulded hinge and a bun finial, with tapered straight spout, the moulded C scroll handle with ivory insulators, on domed and stepped circular foot rim, with later engraved crest of a ship in full sail to body
Dimensions
17cm high, 19.5oz
Footnote
Notes: While this piece is attributed to Alexander Forbes of Aberdeen by reading the marks alone a more obvious maker has to be William Jamieson, the marks to this piece tell an interesting and unusual story.
The piece is too early in style and construction for William Jamieson and while his makers mark is the only one apparent on the piece this anomaly can be explained.
The large ABD and flower head punches are both uniquely used by Alexander Forbes in Aberdeen, it also seems likely that under the smaller ABD punches the original makers marks for Forbes would exist. The faint outline of the right leg of an A can be seen below one of the later ABD punches.
Re-selling and indeed trading in second hand goods is believed to be a mainstay of some of the provincial makers. It does not take much thought to think of the amount of silver that over the years has passed through makers throughout Scotland and the UK to be re worked into new and fashionable pieces or when a family was on harder times sold. Without the infrastructure of dealers or auctioneers at the time the manufacturers would be the obvious person to sell to.
The way the marks have been struck and more importantly, the original ones still left, seems to confirm this as a piece made by Forbes circa 1740 and re sold by Jamieson circa 1800 - 1820, it is also possible this is when the later crest was added for the new owner.
Reference: For details of Alexander Forbes and an illustration of his marks and flower head punch see, 'The Goldsmiths of Aberdeen, 1450-1850' Dr James, page 66 - 67