A305

Metal teapot, elaborately moulded body, spout, handle and hinged lid. Set on pedestal openwork ring with 4 feet. Underside stamped with maker's numbers and possibly a hallmark? Labelled "Teapot of 'Britannia metal', c.1850. An alloy of tin (90 %) and antimony (7.5%), with copper (1.5%) and bismuth (1%). Britannia metal was used initially as a substitute for pewter and was later replaced by Nickel-silver."

mid 19th century