Newell Harding Antique Sterling Silver Coffee Pot, Boston, c. 1840's

Of tapering octagonal paneled form, this elegant coffee pot is an outstanding example of 1840's silver. On an applied stepped octagonal foot, the octagonal body rises to a molded neck. The stepped hinged lid, also of octagonal panels, features a dynamic 18th century inspired octagonal finial. Even the curved spout and scroll handle are similarly paneled.

Newell Harding was an important Boston maker, working during the second and third quarters of the nineteenth century. His output (until the late 1860's) is almost invariably 'pure coin silver'; this very rare sterling example from the 1840's is certainly 'bespoken', or custom ordered, at this more expensive higher grade of silver. This rare octagonal paneled form from the 1840's is one of our favorite styles of the 19th century. When unadorned, like this example, it is boldly classical and elegant.

This coffee pot is marked underneath 'N. Harding' and 'Sterling Silver'. It is inscribed underneath 'J.H. to Mary Shannon 1849' and 'M. S. W. 1901'. It is monogrammed on one side 'JH' in a cursive style. This piece measures 8.25 inches high, weighs a hefty 29.3 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.