Antique sterling silver tea ball infuser, measures 2 1/4 inches tall. Excellent condition. Marked Sterling and bears the Webster Company mark.
A tea infuser is a perforated container with hinged lid for holding loose tea leaves. The infuser is placed in a teapot and boiling water is added. The chain slips over the rim so that it may be easily removed from the teapot. Sterling tea ball infusers were very common and popular in American homes during the latter part of the 19th century. The invention of the disposable tea bag in the early 20th century led to the demise of the tea ball infuser. They are very collectible today.
