The Regency Period of British history is approximately between 1790 to 1820, between the Georgian and Victorian periods.
The Regency Period is known for over indulgence and pleasure seeking. It covers a period when the Brighton Pavilion and British Museum were built. In 1815 Great Britain was regarded as the most powerful country in the world and London the greatest city.
A number of highly regarded manufacturers were around at this time Rundell, Bridge and Rundell being one of these. The demand for goods was enormous at this time and thousands of hands were employed with work contracted out to other firms. They employed some of the most talented craftsmen of the day and most notebly Paul Storr who joined them in 1807.
During the 19th century London hallmarks were made in various sizes with smaller marks grouped together. The punches for the very small marks were set in a frame to enable them to be punched together with one blow with the makers mark appearing seperately.
More tea services were made during this period than in preceeding periods since the price of tea and suger continued to fall due to Britain having a stronger hold on India. The tea service had a tea pot, milk jug, sugar bowl and hot water jug to match. Sometimes the jug being mounted on a tripod with a spirit burner below.
Tea pot design is varied and they come in a variety of sizes. The lid is usually a domed cover with spouts a flattish D section and tapered to the pouring end. Handles of ivory, wood or silver with inserted insulators are common.
The sugar basin usually matches the milk jug in shape but has a larger body and opposing handles following the design of the single handle on the jug. The hot water jugs are often mistaken for coffee pots and can be used for that purpose. They tend to resemble the tea pot but are taller and do not have a spout.
Common items from this period include salt cellars, candelabra, candlesticks and inkstands. Cruet frames were popular, coasters having silver sides, sugar vases, sauce boats and tea cadies are other items you may find. In the early 19th century many utensils were made from silver including vegetable dishes, muffin dishes, toast racks, goblets, mugs and bowls.
Grander items of table centre pieces were also produced.
The hall marks covering this period are:
Birmingham:
Edinburgh:
London:
Sheffield:
