Of cylindrical ‘drum’ form with beaded rims, a tapering straight tubular spout opposite a wooden C scroll handle pinned to tubular sockets. The hinged domed lid surmounted by a detachable wooden finial. Engraved to the side with a crest of a demi greyhound, with the motto above Virtus Maturat. Fully marked underneath, the lid unmarked. Length - 21.5 cm / 8.5 inches Weight – 515 grams / 16.56 oztNotes:The crest and motto are for Riddell of Glenriddell, Almost certainly for Captain Robert Riddell (1755–1794), Laird of Friars Carse, near Dumfries. A friend of Robert Burns, who made him a collection of his poems which later became famous, and wrote a poem 'Sonnet On The Death Of Robert Riddell' in memory of him when he died. The Glenriddell Manuscripts, an important autograph text of two volumes, one containing more than 50 poems, and the other 27 letters by Burns, were written for Riddell between 1791 and 1793. The poet's friendship with the Riddell family ended suddenly in December 1793 as the result of a mysterious drunken incident at Friars Carse, the estate owned by Riddell in Nithsdale. Burns asked successfully for the return of the poetry volume which had already been given to Riddell; the second had not been completed. The Glenriddell Manuscripts are now in the possession of the National Library of Scotland. Fairbairn’s records this crest as: “Riddell of Glenriddell, Scotland, a demi greyhound arg. Hab shar - Virtus maturui”. A different crest is also recorded; “Riddel, Scotland, a dexter hand ppr., holding an ear of rye slipped and bladed or. Virtus maturat”. Some differencing in motto is to be expected as the date of this teapot predates a 1792 stamped armorial for Robert Riddell, with motto HAB SHAR; VIRTUS MATURUIT in the Society of Antiquaries London (MS 117).