Here Be Dragons!

This elaborate antique pewter tea set from China is intricately engraved with dragons flying amidst exotic flowers and swirling waters.  

Pewter is an alloy of tin and lead. The softness of the metal makes it malleable and it can be polished to a soft sheen. Pewter appeared in China some 2,000 years ago. Tea caddies made of pewter were preferred for storing the valuable tea leaves and some tea connoisseurs argued that pewter tea pots made 

for superior brewing. 

In addition to the Chinese markings, the set is also stamped "Kut Hing Pewter Swatow." The City of Swatow, now known as Shantou, was opened as a foreign port in 1860 and quickly became an important export market, with many local artisans creating wares for the foreign trade. Beginning in the late 19th century, a number of workshops produced elaborate pewter items for the Western market, including everything from traditional tea sets to modern cocktail sets, often covered in intricate engraving. The Kut Hing company was one of the prominent pewter makers of the era.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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A Sterling Example

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, "sterling" can mean "having a fixed standard of purity usually defined legally as represented by an alloy of 925 parts of silver with 75 parts of copper" or "conforming to the highest standard." This stunning tea set is certainly sterling in both senses of the word!

Of shimmering sterling silver, this beautiful vintage tea set has subtle swirling curves that catch both  the light and the eye.  The design is both classic without being fussy and modern without being stark.

Each piece is clearly hallmarked.  The crescent and crown are the national silver marks for Germany.  Instituted in 1886, and compulsory by 1888, the "halbmond und krone" mark is accompanied by marks designating the purity of the silver and the maker.  In this case, each piece proudly proclaims that it is of sterling silver.  The goblet mark is attributed to Otto Wolter, a German silver company that operated from 1875 to 1991 in Schwäbisch Gmünd, a city long renown for its gold and silver crafts.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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Elegant Eloquence

This shining silver-plate tea set, adorned with deeply embossed roses among rococo swirls, is aptly named "Eloquence," introduced in 1953 by Lunt Silversmiths. Lunt was an America manufacturer of fine silver and silver-plate flatware, tableware, and gift items, first founded in 1902, and rechristened Lunt Silversmiths in 1935. Its Embassy Scroll pattern was chosen by the United States government as its official tableware for all U.S. embassies and consulates.

This sumptuous service is perfect for re-enacting your favorite scenes from "Downton Abbey" or just adding an aristocratic touch to your morning coffee and English muffin.  It is the ultimate accessory for afternoon tea or dinner party dessert, and you will always be prepared just in case Queen Elizabeth decides to drop by for a "cuppa."  Sitting down to tea with this shimmering service on the table will make anyone feel like royalty!  Plus, at Next-to-New, you will not only find this aristocratic tea set, but also an assortment of beautiful antique and vintage porcelain, from cups and saucers to cake plates, to further accessorize your tea table.