Tea caddies, ca. 1725

Mark:
P . V . D, capitals with raised pellets in an oval, stamped four times on the bottom of each caddy; marks are incomplete on one vessel <br/>
Exhibited:
Salve Regina College; Newport, Rhode Island; May 17, 1964; no. 135. St. Julia's Women's Club; Weston, Massachusetts; May 25, 1966; no. 7. <br/>
Dimensions:
H. 3 5/8" D. 1 11/16" 8.06; 7.75 ozt. <br/> According to Martha Gandy Fales in Early American Silver, page, 96, tea caddies were introduced around 1725. Thus these pieces acknowledge Peter Van Dyck's skill in crafting new vessels. The caddies also display craftsmanship in the simple clear lines and delicately added engraving on the hinge plate. Both caddies are identical oblong cut corner rectangles with the body curving in at the top to the narrow rim. The top is hinged in front of the back cut corners. The engraved decoration across the hinged area consists of dashes, criss-crosses, and swirling lines.