Webster Manufacturing Company (American, 1866–74)
Brooklyn, New York
Coffee or Tea Service
INV-9058
Webster Manufacturing Company (American, 1866–74)
Brooklyn, New York1870–73
Coffee or Tea Service
Webster Manufacturing Company (American, 1866–74) Brooklyn, New York →19th centurytea servicesilver
Date
1870–73
Medium
Silver plate
Dimensions
Coffeepot H: H.: 29.8 cm (11 3/4 in.); Sugar basin H: H.: 22.9 cm (9 in.); Milk pot H: H.: 5.3 cm (6 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Julian A. Altman
The Brooklyn firm Webster Manufacturing Company was one of many silver manufacturers in the New York region serving the burgeoning consumer society of the late 19th century. This coffee or tea service was typical of the company’s products, which were primarily silver hollowware. The use of electroplating and a drop in the price of silver during the period made merchandise like this affordable to a much wider population than ever before. Moreover, electroplating added value to functional, everyday objects, an aim of the Aesthetic movement, the influence of which can also be seen in the strong geometric style visible in these pieces’ legs and handles.
Also notable
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