This type of teapot is described as a ‘bullet’ teapot, which refers to its spherical body that is similar to the round lead musket ball. It has a wooden handle and finial to act as insulators against the heat. Bullet teapots became an iconic teapot form in England and Scotland during the 18th century. The bullet shape succeeded the earlier pear-shaped teapots, which were inspired by Chinese export porcelain examples. Like this example, bullet teapots were typically plainly decorated with flat covers, cylindrical spouts and mounted on a stepped foot.
This teapot bears the arms of Fortescue, while the crescent moon is a cadency mark which indicates it was made for the second son.
