Teapot, 1813–25
Made in Beverly, Massachusetts
Britannia metal, 6 7/8 in. (17.4 cm) high
Mabel Brady Garvan Fund
1974.70
This Federal teapot is made from a variant of pewter known as britannia. Developed by English pewterers, britannia was stronger than ordinary pewter, allowing it to be formed into thin-walled vessels with a high sheen. It was marketed to middle-class customers who wanted the look of silver without the high prices. This teapot is formed from seamed sheet metal, a technique rarely seen in Britannia pieces. Israel Trask probably learned this process during his training as a silversmith. More evidence of Trask's experience with precious metals is seen in the teapot's engraved decoration, which imitates the bright-cut work often seen on silver pieces. Bands of inlay used on Massachusetts furniture from this period may have inspired the teapot's dot-and-dash border.
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