Antique and collectibles, keep-sakes and other topics with Antique Tyrant, antique silver cup with top

This covered silver cup was bought from Robert Lloyd in New York City.  He sells the best antique silver in the world.  Museums, connoisseurs and antique collectors seek his inventory and expertise.  I told him I was a beginner collector.  He showed me this silver cup with thistle, lotus, chaised lamb and flag designs. The workmanship was done by John Twentymen and Co., Calcutta, India 1830.

The lamb has a halo over its head.  I think the halo is a blessing to a family.  I can't make out the flag or monogram.  The lamb design was carved out of the silver.  I believe this technique is called chaising.  I don't know how the texture in between the floral and leaf design was made.  I'm sure it required hours of labor to create.  

Taking care of my silver cup

I only wash it with warm water with a touch of soap once every couple of months.  I never ever put my silver in the dishwasher or use harsh abrasive cleaners.  I only use a cotton towel when washing or drying. When handling the cup, I use cotton gloves.  I learned that the oil's from my finger's can cause tarnish spots. Take note of the black patina in between the grooves of the designs.  The patina can be removed if a harsh chemical cleaner is used making the cup appear white.  If you need  more advice about silver care go online and search "caring for antique silver". 

Inside cup view.  The floral and leaf designs were created with hammering out the designs by a technique called repoussse. 

The hallmarks give all the information that is needed to identify who made it and where.  I wish I knew who had this in their home in the early 19th century.  This has survived for 180 years.  

                                                        A view of the lid upside down

Detail of the scrolled handle

     Balance and Rocco influences of the 18th century, High Georgian period are on this wonderful cup.

                                               close up of the texture, thistle, lotus and leaf design

Antiques, collectibles, keep-sakes, treasures, folk art, paintings and other topics. Todays entry is on an Export, late 18th century tea set I bought in Brimfield.

Welcome to the Antique Tyrant's blog. 

The tea set was purchased from a dealer at the Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts. He told me that he buys estates and sells all the contents through auctions, antique shows and tag sales. 

He pointed out the red oxide, hand painted floral and leaf motifs as well as hand-less bowls/cups with deep saucers and a waste bowl. The tea set is a hard-paste ceramic, with a bright white and durable finish.  The dealer believed it was made in China for the American Market during the late 18th century. The set was made for a wealthy family who could afford to buy tea and sugar, which were expensive commodities during this period.

I took my time looking over the tea pot. I touched the cups and noticed that they were translucent when held up to the sun. When buying antiques and collectibles it's good to develop an eye for visual cues. Touching and holding items also allow me to know how a piece is supposed to feel.  If I'm sure I don't buy.



                            The center piece of this set has an oval classic form with a wonderful upside down S handle.  This set would have been displayed with pride.  The painted decoration is simple and clean.  The white is gleaming and translucent when held up to the light.

                                                      

                   Creamer is elegant with its high scrolled handle and swan neck spout 

                                   Hand-less bowls and saucers.  (Not hand-less cups) 

                                                          Large waste bowl. 

Detail of waste bowl (upside down view)  with #22 painted on the bottom.  It was the only piece with a marking.  It must have been part of a larger set.  Its amazing that these pieces have survived for 200 years without being broken or split up any further.

Notice the tea stain on the spout of the tea pot.

Overall view of set.  This collection would be perfect in a corner cupboard in a Georgian style home like Mount Pleasant Park in Philadelphia, which is an amazing mansion to visit.  Philadelphia was the premier city in the late 18th century for fashion and business. 

The overview view

I never use a dishwasher to wash this tea set.  The best results is with warm water toward a cooler temperature and mild soap like Ivory.  I never use a scrub pad or nylon brush but a soft cotton towel. 

Advice I was given for caring for antique dinner plates after a holiday dinner.

 If you have a sticky mess on your plates soak the in warm water and baking soda.  It will loosen the grim and grease without scrubbing.  A stain can be removed with a solution of  2 parts peroxide, 1 part water.  Apply this paste mixture on the stain and let sit. 

Thank you.  If you have any questions or would like to contact me, please email me at antiquetyrant@gmail.com