A George II Scottish Silver Teapot, by Edward Lothian, Edinburgh 1749

 A Rare & Superb George II Scottish Silver Teapot, Edinburgh 1749 by Edward Lothian. The body is raised in the inverted pear-shaped form, plain except for a crest and motto to each side – see pictures. A cast, tapering and gadrooned spout. The silver handle capped with an acanthus leaf and with wooden spacers. The very good fitting domed lid is surmounted with a teardrop finial. All standing on a stepped and raised pedestal foot.

 Hallmarked to the underside for Edinburgh 1749, with the assay master’s mark of Hugh Gordon and the maker’s mark of Edward Lothian.

In very good condition, there is some minor bruising, old repairs and scratches, to be expected given this pot is in excess of 250 years old. There is an ever so slight rock to the foot, the hinge is tight and the lid fits exceptionally well and is flush with the body.

The hallmarks are extremely clear and well struck. The maker’s mark is struck twice, once faintly to the centre and then clearly below.

The crest and motto, though worn is still visible and partially legible, depicting a Lion passant above a crown surrounded by the Royal order of the Garter all below a crown. Knights and Ladies of the Garter are entitled to encircle the escutcheon of their arms with the garter and motto.

Overall, this is an exceptionally rare piece of highly collectable Scottish silver with a superb lustre and patina, accentuated by the simplicity of the design and decoration.

Height to top of finial: 18cm or 7”

Length, handle to spout: 26cm or 10”

Width of body at widest point: 13cm or 5”

Weight (including spacers): 683g, 22ozT (24oz)