Extremely rare and heavy George III silver saffron pot London 1798 Robert Sharpe

The extremely rare and superb quality crested George III silver saffron pot was made in London in 1798 by Robert Sharpe and measures 7.5 inches handle to spout by approx 4.25 inches wide and is 3 inches tall, it is crested to the front and the lift off lid with a lion rampant holding a cross below a crown, it has a fruit wood handle and is fully and clearly hallmarked under the body and to the underside of the lid, a rare item weighing 13.80 ounces or 428 grams – during the whole of the 18^th century a number of small, (but otherwise identical to their full sized brethren) teapots were produced particularly from 1725 – 1775 – these were used as saffron pots and very few examples from this period survive today. Saffron tea would be taken in this pot and the infusion taken to cleanse the body and the mind. Saffron was extremely expensive at the time, the height of luxury, only afforded by the wealthiest, and most noble, individuals in society.

Price: £1250

Quote ref: Sharpe