Beschreibung:

DICKENS, Charles]. A Victorian silver-plated teapot which belonged to the author, ca.1860. 7 x 8 in. approximately. Pyriform on a circular beaded foot, the bod with a broad band of anthemion, above an engraved inscription on one side, the hinged cover with bud finial, marked on base, original insulators on the handle removed, some repair under base, a few minor dents and wear to plating, otherwise in fine condition, the engraved inscription crisp. The engraved calligraphic inscription reads: "This Teapot belonged to Charles Dickens and was purchased at the sale of his effects at Gads Hill. William Furber, Warwick Court, Grays Inn, London." And accompanied by a calligraphic label on parchment, 1 page, oblong, reading: "This Tea-Pot was purchased at the Sale of Charles Dickens's effects at Gads Hill by a person named Montgomerie who had a lease of Wordsworths House, Rydal Mount, Cumberland, where he formed a Museum of Curiosities. My Firm was shortly afterwards instructed to sell the whole of the contents of Rydal Mount. I personally conducted the sale, and, with the consent of those for whom I was acting, became the purchaser of this Tea-pot which has remained in my possession ever since. [signed] William Furber, Warwick Court, Grays Inn, 1905." In 1856, Dickens acquired Gads Hill Place at Higham, near Rochester, a house he had often admired as a child on walks with his father. After his death on 9 June 1870, his paintings and works of art were sold by Christie's on 9 July, while on 10-13 August, a local firm, Thomas & Homan of Rochester, conducted the sale of Dickens' household furniture, linen, carriages, and other articles.