Advanced Search 
Teapot
Paul Revere, Sr. (American (born in France, baptized Apollos Rivoire), 1702–1754)
about 1727
Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
14.6 x 22.2 cm (5 3/4 x 8 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Frances Lowell Hunsaker, Beatrice Hardcastle Magruder, and Christina Lowell Brazelton in memory of their father Alfred Putnam Lowell
Accession Number1991.790
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsSilver hollowware
This teapot’s distinctly globular shape and finely engraved scroll and bellflower decoration at the shoulder are stylistically within the oeuvre of Revere I and unlike any produced by the son.
This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.
This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.
DescriptionThe globular vessel was raised and then turned upside down so that the original base could be cut out and remade as a lid. A flat three-part hinge and applied ring seated within the rim ensure that the lid is flush with the vessel exterior; a cast and chased conical pineapple finial is pinned at the center of the lid, near a small air vent. The original open rim of the raised form has been closed with a base that has been let in and soldered in place.
The replaced silver and ivory handle is set into an existing upper socket having a scored edge and stylized foliate decoration. The reverse-curved spout is affixed over strainer holes; attenuated baluster decoration appears below spout; twelve panels with scalloped edges form the lower portion of the spout, and the curved upper portion terminates in foliate decoration on retracted upper lip. A broad, splayed cast foot with applied foot ring is soldered to the body.
A broad band of engraving at the shoulder consists of large shells at sides and mask facing spout, interspersed with diaper fields, broken scrolls, and foliate decoration. A narrow border around the edge of the lid has scallop decoration, with a sixteen-point flower at center.
The replaced silver and ivory handle is set into an existing upper socket having a scored edge and stylized foliate decoration. The reverse-curved spout is affixed over strainer holes; attenuated baluster decoration appears below spout; twelve panels with scalloped edges form the lower portion of the spout, and the curved upper portion terminates in foliate decoration on retracted upper lip. A broad, splayed cast foot with applied foot ring is soldered to the body.
A broad band of engraving at the shoulder consists of large shells at sides and mask facing spout, interspersed with diaper fields, broken scrolls, and foliate decoration. A narrow border around the edge of the lid has scallop decoration, with a sixteen-point flower at center.
Marks
"P [pellet] REVERE" in a rectangle marked on bottom of teapot above center point.
InscriptionsScratch weight of "oz /18 : 3/4", and in another hand "oz w / 18 - 12" on bottom.
Provenanceit is likely that the first owner was Elizabeth Cutt (or Cutts) (1709 – 1805), probably after her first marriage in 1727 to the Rev. Joseph Whipple (1701 – 1757). Her second marriage of 1758 was to the Rev. John Lowell (1704 – 1767). Descended to Judge John Lowell (1743 – 1802), Reverend Lowell’s son by his first wife, Sarah Champney (1704 – 1756). Judge Lowell m. his third wife, Rebecca (Russell) Tyng (1746 – 1816), in 1778, and the bowl descended to their son the Rev. Charles Lowell (1782 – 1861), pastor of West Congregational Church in Boston, m. Harriett Brackett Spence (1783 – 1850) in 1806.3 By descent to their daughter Mary Traill Spence Lowell (1810 – 1898) and Samuel Raymond Putnam (1797 – 1861), m. 1832.4 The vessel probably descended to their daughter Georgina Lowell Putnam (b. 1835), d. unm., and thence to her cousin Charles Lowell (1855 – 1905), who in 1885 m. Beatrice Kate Hardcastle (about 1852 – 1932).5 By descent to their daughter Mary Beatrice Lowell (b. 1888) and Frederick Southgate Bigelow (1871 – 1954), m. 1915,6 and thence to her brother Alfred Putman Lowell (1890 – 1954) and Catherine Hay Bowles (1890 – 1969), m. 1915,7 by descent to the donor.