The silversmith’s trade involved master craftsmen, journeymen, apprentices, artisans working in related trades, and both American and English merchants. The Bayou Bend teapot offers an insight into the workings of this complex system. In order to fill his customers' orders, John Coburn either completed the commission in his own shop or contracted with an outside source. For example, between 1762 and 1774 Paul Revere engraved no fewer than 109 objects for him. Although the engraver of this teapot is not known, the pattern of its Rococo borders are similar to those ornamenting Revere's teapots. Furthermore, Coburn’s cast spout is virtually identical to one used by Revere; perhaps they were derived from a common source.

Technical notes: The spout and upper handle surrounds are engraved with a ruffle. The hinge consists of three parts. The lid is vented, its finial riveted. The wooden handle is a replacement.

Related examples:  Most closely related is a teapot in the Detroit Institute of Arts (acc. no. 34.3); and another, location unknown, bearing English hallmarks, including a 1746 date letter, which are struck over Coburn's stamp. The greatest number of known Rococo teapots in Boston came from Coburn’s shop, including Hynt and Fales 1968, pp. 134–36, nos. 117, 118; Antiques 100 (December 1971), p. 840; Buhler 1972, vol. 1, pp. 307, 312, nos. 262, 267; Ward and Hosley 1985, pp. 288–89, no. 172; Conger 1991, pp. 314–15, no. 191.

Book excerpt: David B. Warren, Michael K. Brown, Elizabeth Ann Coleman, and Emily Ballew Neff.  American Decorative Arts and Paintings in the Bayou Bend Collection. Houston: Princeton Univ. Press, 1998.