This silver teapot made around 1795–1800 reflects the restrained elegance of early neoclassicism. The deceptively simple construction features bright-cut engraving of the acorn and oak leaf bands and a pinecone finial.
The cypher “AMcK” identifies the owner, Agnes McKean (born in 1770), the daughter of William McKean, a wealthy Boston merchant. Perhaps her father purchased the teapot for her as a wedding gift when she married Henry Swift in May 1800.
The mark “REVERE” confirms the identification of the maker, America’s most famous silversmith—Paul Revere (1734–1818). Remembered best as a Revolutionary War Patriot, Revere was also a talented and prolific silversmith and engraver. An astute businessman, he owned a foundry and successful copper mills.
Volume 143, Number 6, November/December 2009, Page 17
Photo by Mark Gulezian/Quicksilver