Lot 424
A SCARCE GEORGE I BULLET TEAPOT
Auction: 12 August 2015 at 15:00 BST
Description
John Seatoun, Edinburgh 1724, Assay Master Edward Penman, of simple compressed bullet form, short tapered straight spout and C scroll silver handle, with bone spacer, the flush lid with moulded hinge and bone finial
Dimensions
Teapot height: 13.5cm, 16.6oz
Footnote
Notes:
The compressed tapered bullet form, often referred to as Apple form, is the earliest form of teapot in Scotland, recorded as early as 1714. The plain compressed form and straight tapered spout is seen across Scotland and typical until the form develops into the more spherical and classic bullet teapot with chased decoration and latterly curved and often fluted spout.
The maker of this example, John Seatoun, is seen on various early and fine quality examples of Edinburgh silver, including a fine mug and cup and cover, both within the National Museum of Scotland’s collection. Two examples of his mark are recorded, IS in monogram within a circular punch and an alternate punch IS with three crescents, a heraldic symbol from the Seatoun family armorial, within a shield punch as struck to this teapot.