Teapot, ca. 1850

Britannia ware was first produced in England around 1780 and in America about 1824. As a cheap substitute for pewter, it contained no lead and could be easily molded and joined. Light in weight and brighter than ordinary pewter, it also became an acceptable substitute for silver. After the Civil War, however, much pewter had been melted down for bullets and Britannia was no longer fashionable. This teapot was sold by J. Chatsworth & Sons, dealers in clocks, watches, jewelry, musical instruments, Britannia ware, etc. in Galena, Illinois.

Probably made by Lemual J. Curtiss, Meriden, CT
Britannia metal
Illinois State Museum purchase (750147)

Food Service | Metal

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96