A very fine early George II Bullet Teapot made in London in 1731 by William Darker.

The “Bullet” shaped teapot is one of the best known shapes of the George II period and this represents an early example of its form.  This very fine teapot has a globular shaped main body which stands on a cast and applied foot, decorated with reeding.  The faceted, cast, straight spout has a moulded lip and an oval of strainer holes are pierced on the interior of the main body, where the spout is attached.  The plain tubular handle sockets are attached to the main body and fruitwood scroll handle.  The circular flat cover is attached to the main body with a flush three part hinge and is beautifully engraved around the edge with trellis work panels, foliate scrolls and Rococo shell motifs.   The finial consists of a cast and applied spool shaped moulding, a removable flattened wooden ball, and a silver bolt with a cast baluster top, secured by an interior nut.  The Teapot is of the finest quality, as would be expected from this fine maker.  It is in quite excellent condition and has a very good colour.  It is fully marked in the foot and with the maker’s mark and sterling mark on the inside of the cover. 

William Darker was apprenticed to Richard Bailey from 27^th November, 1711.  He was free on 4^th December 1718 and his first mark was entered as a large worker on 10^th January, 1719.  He had workshops at The Rose, St. Martin’s Lane when this fine piece was made.

The front of the main body is finely engraved with a contemporary Armorial, with Crest above, all surrounded by a Rococo cartouche of foliate scrolls, strapwork and exotic birds at each end.  The Arms and Crest are those of Wyche with a Baronet’s badge.  Sir Cyril Wyche (c. 1695-1756) was at the age of nineteen appointed Charge D'affaires at Hamburg by Queen Anne serving from 1713 to 1714 succeeding his father who died on 15 October 1713. In 1714 Wyche married Anne von Wedderkop, daughter of Magnus von Wedderkop, Prime Minister to the Duke of Holstein.  

Following the succession of George I on 1 August 1714, the new King appointed Wyche Resident in 1714, Minister in 1725, and Envoy Extraordinary to Lower Saxony. While at Hamburg, his secretary, Mattheson, "had Handel for his music-master, and was himself a fine player on the harpsichord."

On 20 December 1729, he was created baronet of Chewton in Somerset. He also served as High Sheriff of Norfolk from 1729 to 1730.  In 1741, he was appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Russia, serving until 1744. 

Sadly neither of the two sons born to the couple survived their father and the Baronetcy granted to Wyche died out in 1756.  A painting is attached of the Baronet's great uncle which shows the family Arms in the corner.

Height: 4.6 inches, 11.5 cm.

Length, handle to spout: 8.75 inches, 21.88 cm

Weight: 13oz.