A very rare early George III Saffron Pot, unsually modelled as an argyle, and made in London in 1767 by John Swift.
A very rare early George III Saffron Pot, unsually modelled as an argyle, and made in London in 1767 by John Swift.
374957
John Swift was known for his very unusual designs and this Saffron Pot is modelled in an argyle form with a slender swan neck spout. This piece stands on a spreading circular foot, decorated with reeding. The plain, baluster, main body is engraved with a very unusual contemporary Crest. The stepped, slightly domed, hinged cover is also decorated with reeding and terminates in a cast bell shaped finial. The very slender, "Swan neck" spout, is identical to those as seen on argyles of the period and this piece has a fruitwood handle. The Pot is in excellent condition, is fully marked on the base and with the maker's mark and sterling mark on the cover. The Pot is contained within a later fitted velvet and silk lined leather case, with two hinged doors to the front with gold lettering to commemorate a 50th anniversary or Birthday. The case was made by the prestigious firm of Asprey, Birch & Gaydon of London.
During the whole course of the Eighteenth Century a number of small, (but otherwise identical to their full sized brethren), Teapots were produced, particularly from 1725 to 1775. These were used as Saffron Pots and very few examples from this period survive today. Only a small number were made at this date and this is a particularly rare example. Saffron tea would have been made in this pot and the infusion taken to cleanse the body and mind. Saffron was exceptionally expensive at this date, the height of luxury, only afforded by the wealthiest, and noble, individuals in society.
Height: 4.2 inches, 10.5 cm.
Length, handle to spout: 6.5 inches, 16.25 cm.
Diameter of the foot: 2.25 inches, 5.63 cm,
Weight: 7oz.
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![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://marycooke.co.uk/british-silver-1760-1830/a-very-rare-early-george-iii-saffron-pot-unsually-modelled-as-an-argyle-and-made-in-london-in-1767-by-john-swift&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/marycooke-8876-Qfhef-OE67/651ef601f2ff6_image_url_jg601.jpg&description=John Swift was known for his very unusual designs and this Saffron Pot is modelled in an argyle form with a slender swan neck spout. This piece stands on a spreading circular foot, decorated with reeding. The plain, baluster, main body is engraved with a very unusual contemporary Crest. The stepped, slightly domed, hinged cover is also decorated with reeding and terminates in a cast bell shaped finial. The very slender, "Swan neck" spout, is identical to those as seen on argyles of the period and this piece has a fruitwood handle. The Pot is in excellent condition, is fully marked on the base and with the maker's mark and sterling mark on the cover. The Pot is contained within a later fitted velvet and silk lined leather case, with two hinged doors to the front with gold lettering to commemorate a 50th anniversary or Birthday. The case was made by the prestigious firm of Asprey, Birch & Gaydon of London.During the whole course of the Eighteenth Century a number of small, (but otherwise identical to their full sized brethren), Teapots were produced, particularly from 1725 to 1775. These were used as Saffron Pots and very few examples from this period survive today. Only a small number were made at this date and this is a particularly rare example. Saffron tea would have been made in this pot and the infusion taken to cleanse the body and mind. Saffron was exceptionally expensive at this date, the height of luxury, only afforded by the wealthiest, and noble, individuals in society.Height: 4.2 inches, 10.5 cm.Length, handle to spout: 6.5 inches, 16.25 cm.Diameter of the foot: 2.25 inches, 5.63 cm,Weight: 7oz.){kind=link}