A GEORGE V SILVER KETTLE AND BURNER ON TRIPOD STAND, L. A. CRICHTON FOR CRICHTON BROTHERS, LONDON, 1923 |

in George I style; the kettle of baluster form with turned wood swing-handle, the stand in two parts; the upper with three scrolling arms centring the burner, the lower with baluster column spreading on to three scrolling legs with pad feet, crested, the kettle underside incuse stamped CRICHTON BROS 22 OLD BOND STREET LONDON

Christie's, New York, 20 April 2001, lot 221

The lower section unmarked. The kettle and mid-section fully marked. Good condition with little signs of wear or use.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Only six or so original 18th century examples of these silver tea tables are recorded, perhaps the most celebrated being the Bowes kettle and stand by Simon Pantin of 1724, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (M. Clayton, The Collector's Dictionary of the Silver and Gold of Great Britain and North America, Woodbridge, 1971, pp.410-12). Two silver tea tables, as opposed to silver kettle stands, both circa 1742, are also known. One is in the Kremlin, Moscow, and the other was in the collection of the Duke of Portland, the latter having a wooden frame enclosed in sheet silver. (E.A. Jones, Catalogue of Plate belonging to the Duke of Portland at Welbeck Abbey, 1935).