Ball, Tompkins & Black Teapot
New York, United States
c. 1840-1850
#3207
Silver tea services had the advantage of not chipping like porcelain, but they did have to be polished regularly – an onerous task usually carried out by the servants at Locust Grove. This teapot is marked “HB” for Hylah Bevier Hasbrouck, who lived at Locust Lawn in Gardiner, NY from her marriage in 1821 until her death in 1874. Her great-granddaughter, Annette Young, inherited much of her silver and porcelain and preferred to use those heirlooms instead of purchasing new pieces. Annette also turned both Locust Lawn and Locust Grove into museums to preserve them.