Cider Act Teapot

This ceramic teapot is decorated to protest the British Cider Bill of 1763. Individuals frequently used dishware, particularly teapots, to display their political affiliations and discontent with various regulations. Having emerged from the Seven Years’ War in debt, Britain enacted the Cider (or “Cyder”) Bill, which taxed cider production within Britain. Beyond the harmful financial ramifications for producers, the bill also allowed excise men, or tax collectors, to enter private property without the owner’s permission in search of hidden untaxed cider. The public was outraged by the economic impact of the taxes and increasing power of the excise men. Partially due to the intense response, Parliament decided to levy taxes on its British colonies instead, which partly led to the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act.  

Object Details

• Teapot 
  England 
  1763-1766 
  Creamware 
  Museum of the American Revolution, Acquired through the generosity of the Collections Society 
  2021.09.12