A Rare American Silver Teapot, George Hendel, Carlisle, PA, circa 1803

slightly tapered cylindrical with beaded borders and straight spout, the body applied with two reeded girdles and engraved with contemporary script monogram TRF on one side, the flat-hinged dome cover with urn finial, marked thrice on base GH in oval (Belden mark, p. 223)

Illustrated Schwartz, Robert, Philadelphia Collection VI, November, 1978, no. 4.

handle doweled and glued, a couple of minor dings but none through, good condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The monogram is that of Thomas and Rebecca (Crawford) Foster, who married on 24th November 1778.  The same monogram is found on an 1803 Hendel sugar urn, creamer and matching teapot in the collection of the Cumberland County Historical Society, Carlisle, PA.  A Hendel coffee pot with the identical monogram was sold Sotheby's, New York in June 1994.  It is believed that this service was commissioned for the Foster's 25th wedding anniversary. 

Thomas Foster was proprietor of a fashionable tavern and hotel in Carlisle, located on Hanover Street next to Hendel's older brother's clock shop.  In 1802 George Hendel relocated from Lancaster to Carlisle.  As Carlisle was a small community it is likely that the majority of his business stemmed from jewelry repair as opposed to holloware production.  Hendel fought in the war of 1812 as a Captian and participated in the Battle of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane on the northern frontier of New York state.  Upon his return from the war Hendel diversified his commercial interests and established a "House of Entertainment" a mile outside Carlisle.  By 1826 he was bankrupt and was forced to sell his silversmithing tools for $106 and 85 1/2 cents.  The purchaser later returned Hendel's tools to him with the understanding that he would pay $10 at the end of the year for their use.