1820–1821 John Bridge Sterling Silver Three-Piece Tea Set | London Regency Silver | Rundell, Bridge & Rundell
£6,650.00
An exceptional three-piece London sterling silver tea service from the late Regency period, comprising a teapot, a two-handled sugar bowl and a cream jug. The teapot is dated 1820; the sugar bowl and cream jug are dated 1821. All three bear London silver hallmarks and are attributed to John Bridge.
Bridge was a leading figure in Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, one of the most influential British jewellery and silver firms of the early nineteenth century. The firm supplied the royal household and worked with celebrated silversmiths including Benjamin Smith I and Paul Storr.
The service is distinguished by its richly worked surfaces. Each piece has a rounded, lobed body decorated with scrolling leaves, vines and fruit. Fine textured grounds bring depth to the raised ornament, while the flowing motifs continue across the lobes to create a remarkably cohesive design.
The teapot is especially striking. Its sculptural spout has an animal-like form reminiscent of a turtle’s head. An openwork border of foliage surrounds the lid, which is crowned by a flower-bud finial. The ornamented handle and four small scroll feet complete a design considered in every detail.
Made the following year, the sugar bowl and cream jug closely echo the teapot’s form and decoration. Both retain richly gilded interiors that contrast beautifully with their silver exteriors. Their openwork foliate rims add another layer of intricacy.
Weighing approximately 1,602g in total, this is a substantial and highly decorative service. Its combination of dense surface texture, raised foliage, openwork details and gilded interiors makes it a memorable example of Regency silver.
Details
* Maker: John Bridge
* Associated firm: Rundell, Bridge & Rundell
* Date: Teapot 1820; sugar bowl and cream jug 1821
* Origin: London, England
* Period: Late Regency
* Material: Sterling silver
* Set: Teapot, two-handled sugar bowl and cream jug
* Decoration: Textured grounds, raised foliage and fruit, and openwork details
* Interiors: Gilded sugar bowl and cream jug
* Teapot: Approximately 25cm long × 14cm high
* Teapot weight: Approximately 788g
* Total weight: Approximately 1,602g
Condition
Excellent antique condition overall. The decoration remains well defined, with natural surface wear consistent with more than two centuries of age and use. Please examine the photographs as part of the condition description.
【📦Worldwide shipping from London, UK.】
Related items
2002 Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Sterling Silver Beaker | Grant Macdonald, London
£875.00
A sculptural portrait, flowing ribbons and raised flowers give this small silver beaker a distinctive presence. Made by Grant Macdonald in London in 2002, this commemorative beaker celebrates the Golden...
Antique Chinese Export Silver Teapot | Luen Hing, Shanghai | Applied Plum Blossom & Chrysanthemum Decoration | c.1900
£1,550.00
Slender plum branches and curling chrysanthemum petals unfold across the rounded silver body, creating a floral composition with depth and movement. Dating to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century,...
Victorian Sterling Silver Three-Piece Tea Service Hunt & Roskell · John Samuel Hunt Maker’s Mark
£2,450.00
Intricate silver decoration and warmly gilded interiors bring richness and elegance to this Victorian three-piece tea service. Comprising a teapot, twin-handled sugar bowl and cream jug, the service bears the...