Antique 1860s Porter Britannia Silver Plate Coffee Pot, Dragon Spout, PB&P Co Taunton Massachusetts

Antique silver-plated coffee pot made by Porter Britannia & Plate Company of Taunton, Massachusetts, dating to approximately 1859–1870. This is now an antique display piece/collectible rather than a serving piece.

This large Victorian coffee pot has an elaborate design with a tall pedestal base, fluted lower body, decorative bands around the body and lid, hinged lid with tall finial, and an ornate handle. The most unusual feature is the long curved spout ending in a detailed dragon head. The handle is also highly decorated with modeled animal and foliate details at the attachments.

The underside is marked:
T
P.B. & P. Co.
510
P.B. & P. Co. identifies Porter Britannia & Plate Company of Taunton, Massachusetts. Number 510 is the company's model or pattern number.

Condition:
The coffee pot has no dents and no exterior pitting.
The silver plate shows age-related rubbing, light scratches and surface marks. The overall finish has developed a soft gray appearance rather than the bright appearance of new silverplate. There is corrosion and discoloration on the interior bottom, as shown in the photographs. The hinged lid opens and closes properly and the hinge works perfectly.
Because of the age and interior condition, this piece is being offered as an antique collectible and display piece rather than for serving beverages.

Size:
11 inches in height
Approximately 5½ inches in diameter
Approximately 9 inches from handle to spout

Maker: Porter Britannia & Plate Company
Mark: P.B. & P. Co.
Model/Pattern Number: 510
Taunton, Massachusetts
Circa 1859–1870
Silver-plated Britannia metal

History
Porter Britannia & Plate Company operated in Taunton, Massachusetts from 1859 until approximately 1870–1871. Taunton was one of America's important centers of silver and silver-plated ware production during the 19th century, home to manufacturers including Reed & Barton and several Britannia ware companies. Britannia metal is a tin-based alloy that became widely used for hollowware during the 19th century. Manufacturers could form elaborate vessels from the alloy and then apply a silver-plated surface, making highly decorative tableware available without the cost of solid silver.

This coffee pot reflects the elaborate decorative tastes of the mid-Victorian period. Its tall architectural form combines a pedestal foot, deeply fluted lower body, decorative borders, ornate handle and finial with a particularly distinctive dragon-head spout. It is a surviving example of American silver-plated hollowware from the Civil War era. At roughly 156–167 years old, it has survived remarkably well structurally, including its elaborate spout, handle, pedestal base and working hinged lid.

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