Images(5)

"Flowered" Handle Porringer

Dateca.1801-1840

Maker Samuel E. Hamlin, Jr.

OriginAmerica, Rhode Island, Providence

MediumPewter

DimensionsOverall: 7 3/4”; Diameter at rim: 5 5/16”; Height: 2 1/4”

Credit LineGift of Scott and Debra Duncan

Object number2022-171

DescriptionPewter porringer with a "flowered" handle composed of foliage scrolling around a stylized shield with a quatrefoil above and lightened by fifteen apertures (two imperforate). The handle is supported from below by a lobed bracket, and a large linen mark is visible inside the bowl in the corresponding area. Its bellied bowl has an everted rim and a raised boss surrounded by a recess at the bottom.
Label TextOften thought of as a Rhode Island product, flowered handle porringers were made in both England and Boston during the middle part of the 18th century before becoming especially popular there. The son of a Connecticut pewterer by the same name, Samuel chose to set up shop in Providence, where he produced high quality wares until the middle of the 19th c. This well preserved porringer, of fine metal and workmanship, attests to Hamlin's skill and pride of workmanship.
InscribedBottom of the bowl scratched "May" in script, with a flourish below, twice.
MarkingsTop of the handle struck with a left-facing eagle, standing on rocks and supporting a shield emblazoned with the anchor of Rhode Island, with "HAMLIN" in a ribbon above and "PROVIDENCE" below, all in relief within a saw-toothed circle (Jacobs-163).