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Tea Canister
Marked by: WS (possibly William Stephenson) (first mark entered 1775)
English (London)
1782–83
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
H. 10 cm x W. 14 cm x D. 8.5 cm (3 15/16 x 5 1/2 x 3 3/8 in.)
Weight: 408 gm (13 oz 2 dwt)
Weight: 408 gm (13 oz 2 dwt)
Credit Line
Bequest of Barbara Boylston Bean
Accession Number1976.659
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
DescriptionThe straight-sided tea canister is oval in section, with a hinged, flat cover with a lock. It is formed of sheet, seamed on one side, with an inset base. The upper and lower edges are decorated with a punched, cut, and engraved border, and on the plain body of the canister are engraved and cut swangs and garlands. At the center of each side is a reserved ellipse containing a later engraved coat of arms. The finial, a flower, is broken from the leaves on the cover.
Marks
On underside, maker's mark WS (possibly Grimwade 3312); lion passant (repeated inside cover); leopard's headcrowned; date letter g
InscriptionsARMORIALS: engraved in front and back of canister, the arms of NEALEWELL, WAFF, WASS, or WAUGH impaling another unidentified coat of arms (on a chevron sable three bezants impaling, per bend embattled gules and argent on a chief or a castle between two lions passant guardant).
ProvenanceBequest of Barbara Boylston Bean to the MFA. (Accession Date: September 8, 1976)