Beaker

Dateca. 1815

Marked by Asa Blanchard (fl. 1789 - 1838)

OriginAmerica, Kentucky, Lexington

MediumSilver

DimensionsBeaker: H. 3 ¼”; D. 3”

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund

Object number2019-101,3

DescriptionSilver beaker marked by Asa Blanchard: Beaker with inset circular bottom and, seamed, slightly flared straight side. Base and rim of beaker are bordered by drawn molded bands. Engraved on side with sprigged script letter "R"
Label TextAsa Blanchard worked in eastern Virginia under the name Blansett before moving to Lexington, Kentucky, in 1806. It is not known why he took an earlier version of his family surname, but Blanchard began advertising with his new moniker in 1807. He rapidly became the most prolific silversmith in Kentucky, producing boldly shaped hollowwares like this pitcher. Blanchard’s ads offered “Silver Teapots, Sugar and Cream Pots, Tankards, Cans and Tumblers and all kinds of Ladles and Spoons; all kinds of Gold and Hair work; Watch and Clock work.” His clientele included Kentucky’s elite and his business thrived until his death in 1838.

Blanchard constructed some objects from narrow sheets of silver produced by a flatting or rolling mill, a technology widely adopted following the end of the Revolution. In the early 19th century, this approach often resulted in rectilinear, straight-sided forms, such as this beaker.

InscribedEengraved on side in sprigged script with the letter "C"
MarkingsMarked in relief on base: "A•BLANCHARD" in a rectangle with uneven short ends
ProvenanceVendor: H. Marshall Goodman, Jr.

Exhibition(s)