Although politically united, England and Scotland had distinctive social customs, a fact reflected in their silver works. Scottish silver and gold design remained independent of London styles and fashions until the mid-eighteenth century. The completely spherical "bullet" teapot, along with matching milk jug and sugar bowl, was an especially Scottish, particularly Edinburgh preference. These three objects, made by three Edinburgh goldsmiths within a few years of each other, exemplify the broad demand for this shape. Characteristic also is the restrained narrow band of engraved ornament on all three pieces.

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