This handmade hallmarked sterling silver tea caddy is part of a matching tea and coffee set from the 'Appetite' collection of JA Campbell silversmiths. An English tea set handmade in our Brentwood workshop by Master Silversmith John Campbell and his team of craftsmen.

This is one of the more unusual items in our 'Appetite' range and for those interested here is how we make it. It is constructed in 5 separate pieces, all using the 'spinning' method. It is easier to see the process than to try and explain, however, it is sometimes likened to throwing clay on a potter's wheel but horizontal not vertical. It is an ancient method of producing round hollow objects from sheet material using a metal 'spinning' lathe. This looks similar to a heavy duty wood turning lathe. Its use is still practical today for small to medium production runs which are typical of the silversmith. Kitchen utensils and, before plastic, photographic accessories were often made this way. A solid male former/model known as a 'chuck' is made on the lathe. This can be removed and used again at a later date. A disc of metal in this case silver is clamped o the chuck with the back centre and while the assembly is spinning it is coaxed over the chuck using a spinning tool. This tool is often made by the craftsman himself during his apprenticeship. It is a lightly polished hardened steel burnisher with a rounded ... side and a flat side. Using left and right strokes, a wooden stick known as a back stick and lubricant, it is forced over the chuck. Articles with a greater depth to diameter ratio will need several 'anneals' that is to make red hot in order to soften the metal before the article reached completion. The finished article is then trimmed, whilst rotating, with a sharp hand held turning tool.

When all the components have been spun, the base is soldered to the body, and the finial (2 parts lapped together) is soldered to the cover. These 2 assemblies are 'pickled' in dilute sulphuric acid to remove flux residues and oxide. They are then rinsed several times in cold water and dried using heat.

At this stage in the making the items are sent to the London Assay Office for testing of each and every component. Only if all the components prove to be better than 92.5% are the hallmarks punched into the surface while being supported on a steel stake. The English hallmarking system is one of the oldest and best forms of consumer protection and dates back to the 1400s. Upon return from hall marking it is passed to the polishing shop where Colin and his team, using 4 different grades of compound polish each one to the brightness associated with silver. Ultrasonic cleaning takes place and the item is then rinsed and inspected. The caddy and lid are packed into fitted presentation boxes.

Drinking tea, afternoon tea, traditional English occasions which you can turn into a celebration by using English sterling silver.

If you take your tea seriously this silver tea caddy is the starting point. Add a silver tea caddy spoon, a silver sugar basin, a silver milk jug, a silver cake stand for the freshly made scones, a silver preserve bowl for the homemade strawberry jam and a sterling silver butter dish. Use the large silver salver from the JA Campbell 'Appetite' collection and your afternoon tea table will nearly be complete.

Also part of the same collection and to serve the tea, a tea strainer completes the set. All you need now are your guests!

An English handmade silver tea set will delight you and be a wonderful traditional set to pass from generation to generation. Queen Victoria is said to have preferred her tea from a silver pot, so the tradition is a royal one!

The design features and quality in every item made by craftsmen at J A Campbell are unique.

In the unlikely event of damage JA Campbell provide a repair service.

You can be assured that all JA Campbell products are made up to a standard not down to a price. Nothing leaves the Brentwood workshop until John and Colin Campbell are completely satisfied.