A chocolate pot made in Exeter

The Exeter goldsmith John Elston made this chocolate pot in 1707-8. With its embossed, chased and cut-card decoration it typifies the more complex work introduced by Elston into Exeter.

Chocolate had been imported from the West Indies since the mid 17th century and became a very popular and fashionable drink in the early 18th century. The finial in the lid of this example is detachable, allowing the drinkers to stir the thick, syrupy fluid.

Acknowledgments: RAM Museum