Hi Patrice,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Benjamin Smith III was the eldest son of silversmith Benjamin Smith II, born October 6, 1793 at 12 Hockley Row near Birmingham; he apprenticed to his father as silversmith beginning July 6, 1808 and continued until January 3, 1821, when he struck out on his own.

His first mark, when he entered into partnership with his father, was entered into the record on July 5, 1816; the address was Camberwell. His second mark showed him working alone, beginning July 15, 1818; he had moved to 12 Duke Street, Lincoln's Inn Field. His third mark was registered on July 24, 1822 and his four mark was documented to December 1 1837. He died in 1850.

The Smith family, including both Benjamin Smith II and Benjamin Smith III, made significant contributions to English silversmithing during the Georgian and Victorian eras. Benjamin Smith II, the elder, was renowned for his collaboration with notable figures such as Paul Storr and for his work on prestigious commissions, including the Trafalgar Vases. Following his father's death in 1823, Smith III continued the family legacy, utilizing new technologies like electrotype. Both generations were instrumental in producing high-quality silver items, further solidifying the Smith family's esteemed reputation in the world of fine silverware.

He is known for high-quality Regency and Rococo Revival tableware, his pieces are celebrated for their ornate detailing, cast figural elements, and historical significance.

The "S" datemark on this pot is that of 1833-1834, which was during the reign of King William IV (1830-1837), and bridges the earlier ornate Regency era and the later Victorian era.

This teapot would have been part of a much larger set that probably included a coffee pot, cream pitcher, covered sugar bowl, and waste bowl for used loose tea leaves.

Single teapots by Smith that have sold at auction recently have historically sold for a few hundred dollars or pounds; it's worth noting that silver is trading at historically high amounts and a scrapper might pay as much as between $600 and 900, depending on its weight.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique William IV sterling silver teapot
marks of Benjamin Smith III, London, datemark for 1833-34
With lobed knop finial, egg-and-dart edged rim, guilloche banding, single loop handle with scroll thumb rest and ivory insulators, marked to the bottom.
(DIMENSIONS)
CONDITION: This pot appears to be in good condition with wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$400-600*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia