Description:
George II Sterling Silver Teapot, London, 1752-53, John Swift, maker, inverted pear-shape with rocaille C-scrolls and floral sprays throughout, engraved inscription to underside "The Gift of Col. Isaac Royall to Miss Sarah Hatch 1753," ht. 5 1/2 in., approx. 15.5 troy oz.
Note: Isaac Royall was born September 1719 in Antigua, West Indies. His father moved Isaac and the rest of the family to a 500-acre estate in Charlestown, Massachusetts. After his father's death in 1739, Isaac inherited the property and expanded the house, which remains a prominent landmark in Medford to this day. As one of the colony's wealthiest men, Royall served as justice of the peace, chairman of the Medford board of selectmen, and represented Medford to the colony's legislature. He also served as an overseer of Harvard College. With the outbreak of war in 1775, Royall fled to Nova Scotia before moving to England. He died in 1781. He left a land bequest to Harvard College to establish the school's first law professorship, which led to the founding of the law school in 1817.
Miss Sarah Hatch may be the daughter of Brigadier General Estes and Mary Hatch. Sarah celebrated her thirtieth birthday in 1753 and died a spinster in Boston in 1779.
Estimate $300-500
Minor polishing wear, a few very small dings and dents, two handle retaining pins may be replacements.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Isaac Royall, John Swift, Sarah Hatch, Mary Hatch, United Kingdom, Charlestown, Antigua, London
Stephen L. Fletcher
Partner/Executive Vice President and Chief Auctioneer
Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3000

Christopher D. Fox
Vice President
Director, Historic Arms & Militaria
Associate Deputy Director, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3200

Paul O’Hara
Business Administrator, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3224
American Furniture & Decorative Arts
From the heart of New England, the American Furniture & Decorative Arts department regularly uncovers treasures with rich and enduring history and hosts auctions to world-wide renown.