Quality Decorative Silver Plate Samovar / Tea Urn. Circa 1810.

Original, quality early 19th century decorative silver plate samovar / tea urn. Circa 1810. Attributed to Thomas Hayter, London, circa 1810. This heavy (5.5Kg) piece is Old Sheffield Plate (OSP)*.

The cast side lifting handles are in the form of mermaids holding a clamshell. The cast brass tap to the front has much of its silver plated finish and the original bone finial, and the lid has a mythical dolphin finial over the vented cover. The urn shaped body is mounted on a slender neck on a square plinth with bun feet to each corner. The samovar has its original internal heating elements with the exception of the heating cylinder itself. This is a large and heavy Georgian period silver-plated hot water urn. Attributed to Thomas Hayter (no hallmarks present).

Condition: Lightly tarnished, and copper-bleeding / blush showing in the correct places (edges and handles). Superb rich copper blush to overall surface.

Dimensions: (approx)

Height = 47 cm

Width = 30 cm

Depth = 33 cm (including tap)

*Typical of the late Georgian / Classical Revival aesthetic, these urns typically feature an elegant Neoclassical urn body, flat-chased engraving, maiden or lion-mask ring handles, and stand on a square plinth base supported by ball or bracket feet. Caryatid Swinging Arm Handles: In Neoclassical metalwork, caryatids (sculpted female figures serving as architectural supports) were adapted into ornate, hinged swinging-arm drop handles. They often appeared on high-end Sheffield plate or cast brass tea urns. The Shell & Dolphin Lid: The dolphin is a classic maritime motif heavily favoured during the British Regency and French Empire periods. It was frequently paired with stylized scallop shells, symbolising water and Venus/Aphrodite. The dolphin function on the lid typically serves as the finial (the knob or handle used to lift the hot lid).

**Thomas Holland, an elite master silversmith and plate-worker based in London. He was highly sought after for creating heavy, regal, high-end tableware

commissions. Maker History & Partnership: The Partnership (1792–1805): Thomas Hayter was originally apprenticed to George Smith II. They entered a joint mark on 7 January 1792 as plate-workers, operating a workshop and retail premises at 4 Huggin Lane, Wood Street, London. Most large, highly ornate pieces like tea urns date to this collaborative period. Solo Work (1805–1814): Following the end of their partnership in 1805, Hayter registered his own solo mark ("TH" in an oval) and continued producing fine silverware, including lidded cups, teapots, and hollowware.