Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8
Paul Revere Coffee Pot
About the Item
Sterling Silver Coffee Pot
Paul Revere
Circa 1775
This phenomenal and incredibly rare silver coffee pot by the legendary patriot Paul Revere is one of only six armorial coffee pots crafted before the Revolutionary War, and one of only three still in private hands. The other two are housed in the collections of the Worcester Art Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, making this coffee pot an extraordinary treasure. In terms of maker, quality and provenance, this coffee pot is the most significant American silver object available today.
The coffee pot bears the hallmarks of Revere's exquisite craftsmanship at every turn. Revere was not only the preeminent silversmith in America—he was the only silversmith in the colonies capable of crafting a finished product from the silver ingot to a finished engraved treasure, all by himself. Perfectly balanced and adorned with such fine Rococo detailing as a fluted scroll spout rising from a shell and a flower spray cartouche, this coffee pot epitomizes Revere's unmatched talent.
The pot also notably features Revere’s stamped maker’s mark and the original scratch weight of 40.1 troy ounces on the bottom of the pot. The average silver object made by the famed American would have weighed approximately five troy ounces, and his grand serving spoons averaged approximately two ounces each—making this coffee pot one of Revere's most magnificent and monumental masterpieces.
Within the central cartouche, the monogram "MSS" appears, belonging to the prominent Dr. Micajah Sawyer (1737-1815). A distinguished Harvard graduate, Sawyer was well-known as the "celebrated physician of Newburyport." Such an extraordinary object would have been a precious family heirloom, and this coffee pot remained in the Sawyer family until 1980, when it was sold to another American private collection, where it has remained until now. It was also prominently displayed at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for more than 30 years, from the 1980s until 2014.
Born in 1734 to a Huguenot silversmith, Paul Revere's patriotism and his contribution to the American decorative arts are of inestimable value. He was immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, which tells of how he heroically rode through the countryside warning of the approaching British troops at the beginning of the American Revolution. This legendary event, along with his extraordinary work as a silversmith, has ensured a timeless legacy for Revere.
In 1768, on the eve of the American Revolution, Revere crafted the “Sons of Liberty Bowl,” now housed at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Both before and after serving his country during the Revolution, Revere was at the forefront of American silver, producing elegant bowls, sauceboats and creamers. By far, his most important works are coffee pots, of which only 15 are listed in his records books, making this coffee pot the ultimate piece of Revere's legacy.
Maker's mark "Revere" stamped near the top of the handle
12 1/4" high x 10" wide x 5" deep
42 ounces
Provenance:
Micajah and Sibyl Sawyer, Newburyport
Descended in the family until sold
Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, April 30—May 3, 1980, lot 184
Private Collection, United States
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Literature:
Patricia E. Kane, Colonial Massachusetts Silversmiths and Jewelers, 1998, p. 812
Exhibited:
Richmond, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 1980s-2014
- Creator:Paul Revere (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 12.25 in (31.12 cm)Width: 10 in (25.4 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1775
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
- Reference Number:Seller: 32-07111stDibs: LU891143606652
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 1912
1stDibs seller since 2010
107 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 3 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: New Orleans, LA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllPaul Revere Teapot
By Paul Revere
Located in New Orleans, LA
Neoclassical Silver Teapot
Paul Revere
Created 1791
This exceptional silver teapot is the work of Paul Revere, the legendary patriot and silversmith. A masterpiece of neoclassical d...
Category
Antique 18th Century American Neoclassical Tea Sets
Materials
Silver
$225,000
19th Century Paul Storr Silver Tea Urn
By Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, Paul Storr
Located in New Orleans, LA
This extraordinarily rare and masterfully crafted tea urn is by the hand of the master Georgian silversmith Paul Storr. Created by Storr while working for Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, Jewelers and Goldsmiths to the King, this magnificent piece truly represents the sophisticated style of the renowned firm and the enormous talents of Paul Storr. Applied and engraved decoration envelop this masterpiece equipped with a carved handle, lion's head spigot and spectacular lion's paw supports. The piece bears the arms of the Neave Baronetcy with those of Digby, for Sir Thomas Neave and his wife Frances Caroline, daughter of the Hon. William Digby, the Dean of Durham.
Though he held no formal title, Storr enjoyed patronage from the most important and powerful figures of the period including King George III and the Prince of Wales, the future King George IV. His first major work was a gold font commissioned by the Duke of Portland in 1797, and in 1799 he created the “Battle of the Nile...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Tea and Coffee Service
By Yu Chang
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning and complete seven-piece Chinese export silver tea and coffee service was crafted by Yu Chang of Shanghai and Hong Kong, a firm re...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Globe Inkwell Centerpiece by Tiffany & Co.
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This superb inkwell centerpiece dating to the Edwardian era was designed by the legendary Tiffany & Co. Crafted from sterling silver and bronze, this stunning inkwell boasts a comman...
Category
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Inkwells
Materials
Sterling Silver, Bronze
Art Nouveau Perfume Flacon
Located in New Orleans, LA
The elegance of rare silver overlay distinguishes this Art Nouveau glass flask. The flowing, graceful motif allows sections of the clear glass, and the co...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Bottles
Materials
Sterling Silver
Rococo Silver Candlesticks by Alexander Johnson
By Alexander Johnston
Located in New Orleans, LA
An outstanding pair of sterling silver candlesticks by English silversmith Alexander Johnston. Reflecting the mid-18th century Georgian taste for the Rococo style, these candlesticks feature deeply chased decoration, from shells and palms to acanthus and rosettes, as well as an engraved armorial on each pedestal. Their exuberant yet balanced design is characteristic of the sophisticated style brought to England by French Huguenot silversmiths in the 1700s. Alexander Johnston first entered his mark in 1747 and work such as his, as well as that of artists like the celebrated Paul de Lamerie, indicated the adoption of French forms in all of the decorative arts, from furniture to textiles, hailing the dramatic shift from the more restrained classical manner. Excellent condition. Hallmarked London, 1751 10 ¾” high Reference: English goldsmiths and their marks, 2nd ed., 1921, Sir Charles James Jackson.
Category
Antique 18th Century English Georgian Candlesticks
Materials
Sterling Silver
$34,000 / set
You May Also Like
Cartier Sterling Silver Sugar Shaker/ Muffineer Paul Revere Reproduction
By Paul Revere, Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier sterling silver sugar shaker or muffineer from the 20th century. As marked on the base, it is a reproduction of a design by Paul Revere. It measures 7 1/3'' in height by 2 1/...
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Reproduction of Paul Revere Sterling Silver Bowl
Located in East Hampton, NY
Reproduction of Paul Revere sterling silver bowl. Engraved "Rosemary Lee 1957.
Category
Mid-20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
George IV sterling silver coffee pot, Paul Storr, London, 1823
By Paul Storr
Located in Brescia, IT
Description
George IV sterling silver coffee pot, Paul Storr, London, 1823.
Rare coffee pot by silversmith Paul Storr. The body shape follows a neoclassical style, with a convex prof...
Category
Antique 1820s British George IV Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Coffee/Tea Pot
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are delighted to offer you this sterling silver coffee/tea pot by Davis & Galt of Philadelphia. Although this piece is signed Shreve, Crump and Lowe it was in fact manufactured by...
Category
Antique 1890s American Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Coffee Pot
By Richard Dimes Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
I’m delighted to offer you this sterling silver coffee/tea pot by Richard Dimes Silver of Boston, Massachusetts. Designed in the federalist style it is aus...
Category
Vintage 1910s American Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Italian Neoclassical Silver Coffee Pot
Located in New York, NY
Italian Neoclassical Silver Coffee Pot. Neapolitan caffettiera in sterling silver with wood handle of neoclassical form and decoration with parrot l...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
