Sterling Silver spirit kettle, Barker Brothers, Chester, England antique 1919 1.1L 2pt teapot complete with stand, burner, finest H 29.5cm

Sterling Silver spirit kettle, Barker Brothers, Chester, England antique 1919 1.1L 2pt teapot complete with stand and burner, of the finest quality.

A truly magnificent spirit kettle of good size, original and complete with stand, captive pegs and burner in 925 Sterling Silver by Baker Brothers, a well known Birmingham silversmiths with history dating back to 1801. Of standard stretched-orb design and with wooden handle and finial. Upon four hoof feet. Teapot with interior strainer to spout entrance. Moving and removeable parts include: teapot lid, key peg, hinge peg, teapot, burner, screwed burner wick assembly, wick. The spirit kettle is fully operational and may be used, makes wonderful shelf décor, and offers an outstanding opportunity for any collection. See Background below.

Date mark: Hallmarks, 'MEB FEB' into shield for Baker Brothers Silversmiths Ltd, lion passant for 925 Sterling Silver, three wheat sheeves and a sword for Chester Assay Office, and date letter 'T' for 1919. Many other matching hallmarks to components including lid, both pegs, stand, burner base, burner wick case, burner cap, burner cap knob. Also stamped 'Prov. Patent 1758/12' to burner cap arm.

Size (approximate): Volume of teapot 1.1L 2pt, Gross Weight 270g 9.5oz, Width of base 13.5cm 5.3in, Height combined 29.5cm 11.6in.

Condition: A superb example in excellent antique condition throughout and without damage or repair. Original and complete with very little signs of use, including to kettle interior and burner. Bold hallmarks throughout with light rubbing to those on the outer teapot, and polish residue in some hard-to-reach cervices. Please see photographs for confirmation.

Background: Barker Brothers are one of the oldest firms of silversmiths originating from Birmingham. It was established in 1801 by Mary Barker, one of the earliest female silversmiths. The business is listed in the Birmingham Post Office Directory of 1871 as Barker Brothers. It became Barker Brothers Silversmiths Ltd in 1907. Barker Brothers enjoyed success during this period and produced silverware from offices in both Birmingham and Chester.
During the 1960s Barker Brothers Silversmiths merged with Ellis & Co., also of Birmingham, and the business went through a period of being a subsidiary to Pentos PLC, eventually returning to private ownership in 1984 under the name Barker Ellis Silver Company Ltd. The firm maintained premises in London until the late-1980’s, firmly establishing its reputation for high quality silverware.
Barker Brothers were known for producing utilitarian silver, flatware and tableware, and their silverware encompassed many popular styles of the era; such as Queen Anne, Art Deco and Nouveau, no doubt influenced by the silversmiths who joined the company as its reputation grew. Their success is certainly due to their ability to adapt and produce a variation of styles, moving with the popular fashion in silverware.