1817 Regency Sterling Silver Hot Water Kettle on Original Stand by Joseph Craddock & William Ker Reid, London

An exceptional and highly sculptural English Regency sterling silver hot water kettle, complete with its original stand and spirit burner.

Made in London in 1817 by Joseph Craddock and William Ker Reid, this remarkable antique silver kettle weighs approximately 2,919g. The kettle, removable cover, supporting stand, spirit burner and burner cover have all remained together for more than two centuries—an increasingly rare survival.

Almost every surface is richly worked with high-relief flowers, foliage and scrolling ornament. Finely hammered and stippled grounds create a softly matt texture behind the polished raised decoration, giving the silver exceptional depth and an almost sculptural quality.

One side displays an elaborate aristocratic coat of arms: a lion and unicorn flank the central shield beneath a coronet, with a putto standing to either side. Below appears the Latin motto:

“Virtus Sola Nobilitat”

Meaning “Virtue alone ennobles”, the motto expresses the belief that true nobility comes from virtue and character rather than birth or wealth.

The reverse is decorated with a charming scene of three playful putti, their gestures, expressions and drapery rendered in finely modelled relief.

The removable cover is crowned by a realistically cast flower finial with individually defined petals. The long, elegant spout terminates in an expressive open-mouthed bird’s head, adding a lively sculptural element to the richly decorated body.

The overhead swing handle is supported at either side by two back-to-back classical female figures. Its central section is wrapped in dark leather for insulation, creating an attractive contrast with the bright silver.

The original stand is equally elaborate. It is adorned with flowers, fruit, foliage and suspended swags, supported by four legs incorporating classical masks or figures and terminating in broad foliate feet. The original spirit burner and its cover remain present.

With its substantial weight, dense high-relief decoration, heraldic imagery and complete original fittings, this is an outstanding example of the luxury and technical accomplishment associated with fine Regency silver.

Details

* Date: 1817
* Period: English Regency
* Origin: London, England
* Makers: Joseph Craddock & William Ker Reid
* Material: Sterling silver
* Components: Kettle, removable cover, original stand, spirit burner and burner cover
* Decoration: High-relief flowers, foliage, scrollwork, coat of arms and putti
* Techniques: Hammering, chasing, repoussé and cast decoration
* Spout: Cast bird’s-head terminal
* Finial: Realistically modelled flower
* Handle: Supported by paired classical female figures, with leather-wrapped insulated centre
* Motto: Virtus Sola Nobilitat — “Virtue alone ennobles”
* Height: Approximately 38cm, including handle
* Length: Approximately 30cm
* Total weight: Approximately 2,919g

Condition

Excellent antique condition overall. The removable cover, stand, spirit burner and burner cover are all original to the piece. The high-relief decoration remains exceptionally well defined, with natural surface marks and wear consistent with more than two centuries of age and use. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

A magnificent fusion of silverwork, sculpture and heraldic tradition, this substantial Regency kettle is both a functional object and an important collector’s piece.

【📦 Worldwide shipping from London, UK.】