Caddy spoons were small pieces found beginning in the 18th century in cutlery drawers or buffets. Usually very short and squat, the caddy spoon was usually crafted with a wide, flat bowl. Because this spoon was almost always used to scoop out portions of tea from the house tea chest, the bowl was the perfect size and shape.
The popularity of these sorts of spoons began in the middle of the 18th century just as the drinking of tea was becoming a fashionable afternoon drink.
Although these spoons were produced at a low cost, they are now some of the most expensive spoons on the market. The spoons were made in hundreds of designs, with some in the form of upturned hats or outstretched hands. They were almost always locked away inside the family tea chest, away from the grasp of sometimes unscrupulous servants.
|
|
|
Caddy spoons attracted a loyal following and continued to be produced throughout the early part of the 19th century by many famous silversmiths.
Spoons modeled after the caddy spoon design were a popular gift in the early half of the 18th century and were often given to mark a christening or marriage. Other varieties of spoons that resembled the caddy spoon were popular around 1850, including spoons for honey, jam, and sugar.
If you have items like these for sale, you may advertise them on this page.
If you know additional helpful facts on this subject, contact us!
Go back to Glossary Main Page.
|
