A George III sterling silver four-piece tea and coffee service, London 1800 by John Emes (this mark reg. 10th Jan 1798)

Comprising a teapot, coffee pot, milk jug and twin handled sugar bowl. Each of oval form, the coffee pot with an oval pedestal base with reeded rim. Each engraved with a band of trailing ribbon and fern sprays, further bands of wriggle-work and lace like thread. The milk and sugar engraved to each side with initial TH or SH in flourished cursive script within a fern wreath, the pots engraved with initials SH in flourished cursive script to cavetto border. The teapot with hinged domed lid surmounted by a detachable wooden finial, with curved spout opposite a wooden scroll handle. The coffee pot with hinged high waisted lid surmounted by an acorn finial, with curved spout opposite a curved wooden handle with acanthus junction. The milk and sugar with gilt interiors. Each fully marked, the teapot lid with lion passant only, the coffee pot lid unmarked. Also engraved with scratch weight underneath to coffee pot with 28:15, and to teapot with 18 and a journeyman mark of a X. (4)

Coffee pot height – 25.5 cm / 10 inches

Weight – 1841 grams / 59.19 ozt