Antique silver bullet teapot

A very good example of an antique solid silver bullet teapot. The body of the teapot is hand raised, with the round lid fitted with a flush hinge - which is a sign of quality - and surmounted by detachable fruitwood finial. Surrounding the lid is a charming band of hand engraved woven patterns and scrolls.

The ball-shaped teapot is typical of the George II period in the mid 18th century and the word bullet is derived from the French word boulette which roughly means little ball, referring to the pellets which were used in the original muskets.

A silver teapot pours like no other. Sterling silver is the perfect material for fashioning teapots:

· No other material can be fashioned into such elegant and detailed forms, reflect light as beautifully, and a perfectly formed silver teapot spout will never drip.

· Second only to diamonds, silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any material, meaning that tea leaves can be brewed at a higher temperature than in any other teapot, allowing the tea leaves to fully release their flavours.

· That same high thermal conductivity means a silver teapot will retain heat and keep tea hot for much longer.

· Unlike porcelain and ceramic teapots, silver is sturdy and long-lasting, does not shatter and the occasional dent can be debruised.

The estimated weight given excludes the wooden handle and finial.