This elegant George II silver coffee pot, made in London in 1734, is a particularly fine example, with the spout in the centre of the body to avoid pouring the grounds. Plain baluster form with leaf decorated spout inscribed 'B.E.I.'. Coffee became a popular drink in the early 18th century and gradually took over from chocolate (which was a much more bitter drink than it currently is). By the mid-18th century coffee was considered to be the drink of the intellectual male - tea being more favoured by ladies.