Quality Decorative Copper Brass Samovar / Tea Urn. Dated 1806.

Original, and superb quality copper and brass decorative samovar / tea urn. Silver plaque hallmarked and dating this piece to 1806 (Letter L), with makers mark TH in oval cartouch for to Thomas Hayter.

The cast pink brass side handles are in the form of mermaids holding a clamshell. The cast brass tap to the front is beautifully formed with scrolling pillar and the original green stained bone finial, and the lid with a mythical dolphin finial over the vented cover. The urn shaped body is mounted on a slender neck on a square plinth with bun feet to each corner. The samovar has some of its original internal heating elements, with the exception of the heating cylinder itself. This is a high quality, large and heavy superbly crafted hot-water urn.

Condition: Excellent original condition. Superb rich copper and pink brass blush to overall surface and detailed cast features. Sold as a decorative item only.

Dimensions: (approx)

Height = 46 cm
Width = 32 cm
Depth = 33 cm (including tap)

*Typical of the late Georgian / Classical Revival aesthetic, these urns typically feature an elegant Neoclassical urn body, flat-chased engraving, maiden or lion-mask ring lifting handles, and stand on a square plinth base supported by ball or bracket feet. Caryatid Swinging Arm Handles: In Neoclassical metalwork, caryatids (sculpted female figures serving as architectural supports) were adapted into ornate, hinged swinging-arm drop handles. They often appeared on high-end Sheffield plate or cast copper / brass tea urns. The Shell & Dolphin Lid: The dolphin is a classic maritime motif heavily favoured during the British Regency and French Empire periods. It was frequently paired with stylized scallop shells, symbolising water and Venus/Aphrodite. The dolphin function on the lid typically serves as the finial (the knob or handle used to lift the hot lid).

**Thomas Hayter, an elite master silversmith and plate-worker based in London. He was highly sought after for creating heavy, regal, high-end tableware
commissions. Maker History & Partnership: The Partnership (1792–1805): Thomas Hayter was originally apprenticed to George Smith II. They entered a joint mark on 7 January 1792 as plate-workers, operating a workshop and retail premises at 4 Huggin Lane, Wood Street, London. Most large, highly ornate pieces like tea urns date to this collaborative period. Solo Work (1805–1814): Following the end of their partnership in 1805, Hayter registered his own solo mark ("TH" in an oval cartouch) and continued producing fine silverware, including lidded cups, teapots, and hollowware.