Caddy spoon

Art Historical Context

In the early 19th century, tea drinking became a cherished British ritual among the middle and upper classes, specialized utensils like the caddy spoon emerged to elegantly measure portions from locked tea caddies—safeguarding the precious leaves from theft or overuse. This delicate silver example, crafted by Birmingham silversmith Thos Newbold around 1826–27, exemplifies the precision and refinement of England's Midlands metalworking tradition. At just 3¾ inches long, its slender bowl and slender handle were designed for practicality and grace, reflecting the Regency era's blend of functional...