This teapot and coffee pot are both modelled in the shape of melons. They each have a leaf-shaped base, a handle and spout modelled as branches and a lid with applied leaves and a blossom finial, conforming to the contemporary taste for naturalistic forms during the first half of the 19th century. Melon-shaped tea wares and mustard pots were inspired by 18th century Dutch silverware and were widely produced during the 1830s. These two pots were made by the firm of Edward Barnard, Edward Barnard Jr., John Barnard, & William Barnard, who were working in partnership from 1829. Melon-shaped wares were one of the standard forms produced by Edward Barnard’s firm, Edward Barnard and Sons, who supplied their silver to both domestic and foreign retailers.
These pots are engraved with a coat of arms and motto within elaborate rococo cartouches. The arms are those of Hall-Dare of Newtonbarry, co. Wexford, probably for Robert-Westley Hall-Dare (1817-1866) of FitzWalters Essex.
