Teakettle

1790-1840

Measurements

13-1/4 in x 13 in x 9-3/8 in (dia)

Materials

Copper, brass, iron

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3852

Condition Notes

The tea kettle has dents, including one in the bottom of the angle in the spout.  The tip of the spout is bent.  The rivets that originally hinged the strap handle are replaced by iron nuts and bolts.  The finial has been pushed into the dome of the lid.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

This teakettle is a classic representation of the form as made in Eastern Pennsylvania, from where many marked examples come and help define the type.  The round body curves outward to a slightly curved shoulder on which hinges for a strap handle are riveted.  The domed lid has a finial similar to a drawer pull.  The spout is of a shape popularly called a gooseneck.  It has a sharp, almost square curve at the bottom, and the tip is cut at the sides to improve the flow of water from the kettle.  The kettle body is made of sheet copper joined opposite the spout in a dovetail-like seam using a brass solder.  The bottom sheet is similarly attached.  The spout is seamed along the top.