18th century ornate Tea Bowl [cup] circa 1740 - 1770, as in museums and books

Being offered is a beautiful 18th century tea cup (bowl). It has a diameter of 3 ½” and is 2” high. It is decorated with golden floral baskets with expert gilding.  Actually, a large contributor for the Revolutionary War was the taxes on tea, i.e. “The Boston Tea Party”.

In the 18th century, teacups evolved from handle-less "tea bowls", like this one, to the familiar, handled cups we know today, often made from porcelain imported from China or replicated by European manufacturers. There are examples in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” by Neumann & Kravic (see pictures)

There is a near identical example of this tea cup in the Colonial Williamsburg Museum and an excavated example in the Fort Ticonderoga Collection (see pictures). Shards of these cups are often found at Revolutionary War sites, validating their use (see pictures). This cup is in excellent condition and would make a great addition to a Colonial collection or even a softer touch to a Revolutionary War collection.

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Throughout history, war has been a constant presence, shaping civilizations and societies. From the earliest days of humanity, conflict has persisted in various forms, and based on historical patterns, it is likely to continue in some manner. This ongoing reality has given rise to a deep fascination among historians and collectors who seek to understand the past through the tangible remnants left behind, i.e. uniforms, guns, swords, artillery.

While significant attention is given to weapons and military gear, the everyday items used by soldiers frequently go unnoticed. Simple objects like forks, spoons, cups, dishes, pots, and knives played an essential role in a soldier’s daily life. These items were as precious to the individual as their weapon, serving practical needs and providing comfort amidst the hardships of war. I myself have always appreciated their importance in showing a complete representation in a collection.   Bob