This classical black basalt pottery teapot with engine-turned ribbed body was made in England, c.1785-95. It stands 4.5 inches high, 8 inches wide from handle to spout. An impressed mark “NEALE & CO” can be found on the underside. My favorite design feature is the Sibyl knop on the lid, an intricately detailed sculptural feat unto itself.
After the original spout broke off – most likely over 175 years ago – a silversmith applied a silver replacement. I tend to keep replacement metals unpolished, as I feel the oxidization adds another layer of beauty to the piece. In this case, the dark richness of the silver spout blends in nicely with the teapots black surface.
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![](http://blog.andrewbaseman.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0597.jpeg)
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This intact teapot with similar form suggests what the original spout on my teapot might have looked like.
![](http://blog.andrewbaseman.com/wp-content/uploads/823523f49a5bdc55a6d16b78963341cb.jpg)
Photo courtesy of 1stdibs
Tags: basalt, English, metal spout, pottery, silver