Antique 1825-37 Pear-Shaped Pewter Teapot Josiah Danforth Middletown Connecticut
Description: An antique solid pewter teapot having a beautiful pear-shaped design by Josiah Danforth who was active in Middletown Connecticut in the years 1825-1837. The pot has a flat round footed base with rounded sides and curved neck with an outwards flared top. It has a hinged lid with a high domed center topped with a pewter finial having a wooden shoulder. The pot has a nicely shaped black painted metal (pewter?) handle attached to the pot through two pewter tubular extensions. The pot also has an applied spout. The surface of the pot is undecorated, but the edge of the lid is beaded. The bottom of the pot is marked as to the maker. The mark which is incomplete shows parts of an eagle surrounded by the letters "ORTH*T.C". This is similar to mark number 99 shown in Jacob's Guide to American Pewter. The inside is relatively clean with obvious pitting and darkening suggesting that it has seen quite a bit of use. The pot also has a strainer arrangement on the inside at the beginning of the spout. The piece is relatively clean both inside and out but has stains in the interior but not the exterior. See page 162 in Peter Hornsby's book "Pewter of the Western World, 1600-1850" published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. Exton, PA 1983 for a similar example by S, Danforth and in Melvyn & Bette Wolf's book “An American Pewter Collection” item number 176 for a similar example made by Thomas Boardman. Please carefully review photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain but sometime between 1825 and 1837.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The piece was made in Middletown Connecticut
Size: The pot is ~7 3/8" to the top of the finial, the base is ~3 1/4" in diameter and the piece is ~8 3/4" at its widest including the handle and spout. The pot weighs about 1 pound and 7 ounces.
Maker: Josiah Danforth.
Marks: Stamped on the bottom with the Josiah Danforth mark (Jacob #99) showing an eagle surrounded by the letters "ORTH*T.C". the rest of the mark is not discernable. See last two photos for details.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a nice scarce example of antique pewter teapots made by Josiah Danforth. The pot has a beautiful unusual and very desirable design which would display very well in your collection. This is a substantial piece and is really solid and feels great in your hand.
Condition: This pot is in general good condition. It has no breaks or repairs that we can see. It does have bumps and dings to the surface, but these are minor in nature and do not distract from the beauty and quality of the piece. The piece has stains and pitting in the interior indicating substantial use during its history. The teapot has scratches to the exterior surface. The hinge is intact and in good shape. The piece could probably use a good cleaning, but we leave that to the discretion of the new owner. This piece is almost 200 years old and is still great looking and clean, which is a miracle. The piece has a nice shape and look, which makes it a great piece to display in your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information.
