Images(3)

Flagon

Date1750 (dated)

Artist/Maker John Harrison

OriginEngland, York

MediumPewter

DimensionsOH: 12 1/4"; Diam (base): 5 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1986-86

DescriptionPewter Flagon: A Yorkshire "acorn" flagon with a low, stepped circular foot supporting a compressed spherical body with midband beneath an elongated and taperd neck with band at upper third. A low, stepped and domed lid with a tall knop; the large hollow S-scroll handle with crimped lower terminal and with tall, bifurcated thumbpiece
Label TextThe acorn flagon from Yorkshire is certainly one of the quirkiest regional flagon types in English pewter. Its body gives the appearance of the upper part of a spire flagon issuing from an impossibly large trencher salt. Their finials are invariably insubstantial and lack the architectural character and presence of finials on other English flagons of similar date. This flagon and its mate in the Shemmell Collection merit the distinction of being the specimen examples of this distinctive type. They are the most fully articulated of their type and the most fully documented as to maker, church, donors, and subsequent owners.

This flagon belonged to the Church of St. Saviour's, York, until 1912.
Inscribed"Bought at the Expense of the Parish of St. Saviours and St. Andrews/Richd. Cussons & Robt. Cundell Church Wardens 1750" engraved in script on lower section of body above midband
MarkingsTouch mark I•H within a rectangle on interior center-bottom of base (Peal, More Pewter Marks, 5668b)
ProvenanceChurch of St. Saviour's, York, until 1912; purchased from William Lee by Howard Herschel Cotterell, Croxley Green, Hertfordshire (Cotterell's trade label 1191 glued to underside of cover); sold to F. Scott-Nicholson, Carlisle, Eng.; acquired after his death about 1949 by Bertram Isher, Cheltenham, Eng.; sold to Christopher A. Peal of Norwich, Eng.; after Peal's death in 1980 acquired by J. R. Franklin of Shamley Green, Eng.; purchased by CWF from Robin Bellamy Antiques, Witney, Eng.