1705 Britannia Standard Silver Chocolate Pot

This exceptional antique Queen Anne Britannia standard silver* chocolate pot has a plain tapering cylindrical form with a subtly flared moulded base.

The plain body of this antique hot chocolate pot is embellished with a contemporary bright cut engraved coat of arms encompassed with exceptional scrolling leaf, floral and figural mask designs.

The upper rim and foot of this exceptional example of 18th century silverware are encircled with applied moulded borders.

This impressive example of antique teaware is fitted with a domed hinged hallmarked cover encompassed with an applied moulded girdle and surmounted with a detachable cast sterling silver push fit ball style finial.

The silver chocolate pot is fitted with a scrolling carved stained wood handle with scrolling thumbpiece and fitted to plain sterling silver sockets.

The chocolate pot has an impressive cast swan necked spout with an applied moulded border to the socket, in addition to a plain pendant drop design to the lower portion.

Britannia Silver – The Britannia silver standard of 958 (95.84% of fine silver), denoted by the icon of the seated Britannia holding an oval shield, was introduced by William III in 1697. This was to indicate the slightly higher standard of silver from sterling silver standard of 925 (92.5% of fine silver).

Condition
This antique Britannia standard silver chocolate pot is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.
There are some minor natural fire marks, as to be expected in keeping with age.
Full hallmarks struck to the surface of the body and part hallmarks to the cover are all very clear; the nature of the chocolate pot dictates the location of the hallmarks, resulting in wear in keeping with age. In this instance the hallmarks are exceptionally clear.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this example of early 18th century silverware.

Dimensions
Length from back of handle to tip of spout 21.9cm/8.6″
Diameter 12.3cm/4.8″
Height 27cm/10.6″.

Weight
28.6 troy ounces/890g.

Maker: Andrew Raven
Date: 1705
Origin: London, England.