The Portland Art Museum has a gallery dedicated to silver artifacts. One section of this gallery has a display of pots used for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. According to the display:
“Tea, coffee and chocolate first made their appearance in England in the 1650s, and were immediately popular. With their introduction arose the need for new kinds of vessels in which to serve them. Early tea pots derived their shape from those of Chinese ceramics. Because tea was so expensive, these pots were small. They were often accompanied by a pair of tea caddies and a somewhat larger container for sugar. Kettles with burners permitted a ready supply of hot water.
The shapes of early coffee and chocolate pots were usually cylindrical, with spouts placed at least halfway up the body so that dregs would not mix with the liquid. Similar to coffee pots in shape, chocolate pots have an opening on the cover so a molinet, or stirring stick, could be used. Because chocolate was no longer a fashionable beverage by the end of the 18th century, fewer chocolate than coffee pots survive.”
Shown above is a George II Kettle, Stand and Lamp made in 1734-1735.
Shown above is a George II Tea Caddy and Matching Sugar Box made in 1740-1741.
Shown above is a George II Chocolate Pot made about 1735.
Shown above is a tea pot, tea caddies, and a sugar box.
Shown above is a George II Coffee Pot made in 1736-1737.
Shown above is a George III Teapot on Stand made in 1794-1795.
Shown above is a George III Hot Water Urn with Lid made in 1805-1805.
Shown above is a George III Coffee Urn made in 1795-1796.
Shown above is a George III Coffeepot, Stand, and Burner made in 1804-1805.
Shown above is a George IV Assembled Tea Service made in 1829-1836.
Shown above is a George II Coffee Pot made in 1730-1731.
