ANTIQUE SILVER TEA STRAINERS INFUSERS
Antique Silver tea strainers infusers Description:
A type of small table utensil for straining the tea leaves from brewed tea whilst pouring from a teapot into a teacup.
Antique Silver tea strainers infusers History:
The earliest known examples date from the 1880s but these are rare now. Before the 1880s all teapots came with integral strainers that were sufficient to strain the larger leaf tea that was in use. But with the advent of finer leafed tea an extra strainer was required. They were made throughout the 20th century and are still being made today.
Antique Silver tea strainers infusers Design:
They all had the same basic design having a central shallow bowl that was pierced in a pattern to allow the fluid to flow through. Single and two-handled versions were designed to rest on the rim of a teacup. Many were made with matching bowls to rest the used strainer on and catch drips. Many of the handles were also pierced.
Antique Silver tea strainers infusers Collectors Note:
The most sought after tea strainers had their original bowls and so must have matching hallmarks. The piercing should be in good condition with no pieces missing and no cracks. Unusual designs from the Arts and Crafts or Art Deco periods command high prices.