A Rare Regency Period Sheffield Plate Tea Machine

early 19th century, unmarked, featuring a hot water urn and burner raised on a tall central pedestal, flanked by a pair of tea urns and a bowl, all supported on a shaped plinth with ball feet, each urn of globe form with engraved waist and demi-lion rampant crest, matching engraving to rim of bowl, lion mask ring handles and hairy paw feet, carved spigots (one replaced and one detached but present), engraved "1933" to underside of plinth.
24 x 20 x 15 in.
Tea machines first appears in Britain in the mid-18th century. They allowed for teas to be served at large gatherings, without the assistance of the host or domestic help. The larger central urn would hold the hot water, while the two smaller urns would hold teas.

These large and impressive servers were not made for very long, as they were expensive to produce. The present example is complete and in considerably good condition, considering its age. Similar examples are the in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Chitra Collection in London.

Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

Hot water urn with carved spigot replacement; one original carved spigot detached, but present; denting to burners; some wear to plating; light scratching; one foot on plinth re-attached.