Coffee, tea, chocolate, along with an endless variety of alcoholic beverages, were Europe’s solution to unpotable water. Water had to be boiled of fermented to kill deadly germs, which then made it possible to drink the water without contracting disease, but left it’s taste unappealing to say the least. Flavoring the drink created something more pleasant, and our ancestors found numerous ways of doing just that, creating tea and coffee blends, chocolate drinks, syllabubs, punches and stronger, rather frightening sounding concoctions with names such as “Whistle Belly Vengeance”!
Along with taverns, coffee, tea and chocolate houses began to appear in cities and were popular meeting places (the latter three being appropriate for “proper ladies” patronize.) These were the 18th century versions of “Starbucks”. They often served food, provided daily newspapers for their customers to read, and became a place to discuss politics, art, science, and other intellectual pursuits. If such a place were not available, these drinks were a staple in nearly every home and would have been enjoyed by most families, even those of modest means.
COFFEE POT
HANDMADE BY PETER GOEBEL
Historic reproduction. These pots were “serving” pots. Coffee was never brewed in them. The coffee would be brewed in a large kettle over the fire, then poured into these pots for serving at the table. Typically, the pot would be set on a brazier to keep the contents warm, then set on or near the table (sometimes even on the floor!). These pots were used much in the same way a carafe is used in restaurants today. They are usually quite small, intended only for the use of a few people and refilled when needed. Remember too, that coffee was served in small cups, not the mega-mugs we are accustomed to! Copper with tin lining. Sturdy hinged lid with hand turned wood handle. These pots are so lovely, they are sure to make any coffee-break special!
Dated: ca. mid 18th century
Origin: English
Materials: copper, tin, various wood as available
Dimensions: Large: 5″dia. base, 8″tall, capacity: 5 1/2cups
Small: 3 1/4″ base, 5 1/2″tall, 3 cups
X-0013-TLC COFFEE POT, Large (commissioned work) $195.00
X-0014-TLC COFFEE POT, Small (commissioned work) $175.00
CHOCOLATE POT
HANDMADE BY PETER GOEBEL
Historic reproduction. What could be more pleasant than a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly winter day?! Make your hot chocolate in this beautiful pot and enjoy it in style! Chocolate was a favorite drink in the 18th century, and I would venture to say it still is! This pot is tin lined, with a lid and hand turned wood handle. A hand turned wood stirring paddle mixes up your tasty concoctions! These pots were intended to sit on a brazier at or near the table, keeping your hot chocolate “hot”! Chocolate pots were fairly small in size, as chocolate was taken in small cups, not large mugs as we do today!
Dated: ca. 1740
Origin: English
Materials: tin, copper, various wood as available
Dimensions: 5″dia. base, 8″tall, 5 1/2″cup capacity
X-0015-TLC CHOCOLATE POT (commissioned work) $199.00
TEA POT
HANDMADE BY PETER GOEBEL
Historically inspired. This teapot is inspired by 18th and 19th century examples. Heavy gauge copper that is tin lined. This teapot has a bail with a wooden grip as well as a handle for easy pouring. The lid has a ring and there is a nice pouring spout. This pot has a wide base which has excellent heat distribution – it can really boil water in a hurry!
Dated: 18th – 19th century style
Origin: English/American
Materials: copper, tin, various wood as available
Dimensions: LARGE: 10 1/2″dia. 11 cup capacity
MEDIUM: 8″dia. 7 cup capacity
SMALL: 6″dia. 3 cup capacity
X-0066-TLC TEAPOT, LARGE (commissioned work) $ 125.00
X-0067-TLC TEAPOT, MEDIUM (commissioned work) $ 115.00
X-0068-TLC TEAPOT, SMALL (commissioned work) $ 105.00
TEA STRAINER
HANDMADE BY PETER GOEBEL
Historic reproduction. This is a copy of an antique original dating from the late 17th to the early 18th century. It is a very pretty piece that will make tea time that much more pleasant! Just place the strainer over your cup and pour brewed tea through it. Hand hammered heavy brass with a pierced bowl and pretty shaped handle. Make tea time extra special with this lovely tea strainer!
Dated: late 17th, early 18th century
Origin: English
Materials: brass
Dimensions: 4″ x 6 1/2″
X-0064-B TEA STRAINER (commissioned work) $57.00
TEA CADDY SPOON
HANDMADE BY PETER GOEBEL
Historic reproduction. This is a copy of an original piece dating from the mid 18th century. It is completely handmade. It has a graceful fig shaped bowl and beautiful cut handle. All hand hammered, it is really a nice addition to any tea service. Loose tea was poured from the caddy into the caddy spoon, to be then added to the simmering water. So much nicer than an ordinary spoon!
Dated: 18th century
Origin: English
Materials: brass
Dimensions: 3 7/8″long x 2 1/8″dia. bowl
X-0065-B TEA CADDY SPOON (commissioned work) $59.00
OCTAGONAL TEA CADDY
HANDMADE BY PETER GOEBEL
Historic reproduction. This was a very popular style for tea caddy’s in the 18th century. It’s octagonal shape reflects the Chinese influence of the period. Available in either tin lined copper or tin lined brass (both correct). Friction fit lid. This is a very pleasing piece.
Dated: circa 1750
Origin: English, other
Materials: tin lining with copper or brass
Dimensions: 5″across, 6″tall, 1″tall spout
X-0008-TLC OCTAGONAL TEA CADDY, tin lined copper (commissioned work) $120.00
X-0009-TLB OCTAGONAL TEA CADDY, tin-lined copper (commissioned work) $120.00