Cann
Dateca. 1780
Maker
René Bridon
(1745 - after 1792)
OriginEurope, France, Nantes
MediumSilver
DimensionsOH: 6 ¼”; OW (incl. handle): 6”; ODiam (at belly): 4 3/8”
Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund
Object number2016-58,5
DescriptionBaluster-shaped silver cann with stepped circular foot and acanthus-capped double-scrolled handleLabel TextWhen Abraham Van Bibber (1743-1805) of the Dutch West Indies married Sarah Chew (1734-1795) of Maryland in 1780, the American Revolution precluded the newlyweds from purchasing English-made silver. Instead, the Van Bibbers turned to France to acquire an assemblage of stylish wares for serving tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. During the second half of the eighteenth century, René Bridon (working ca. 1757-1791) was the leading silversmith in Nantes, France’s principal center for the export trade. Bridon’s workshop fashioned a large silver service boldly embellished with the entwined engraved monogram “ASVB” to furnish the Van Bibber’s needs. Today, a coffeepot and stand, teapot, cream pail and ladle, two canns for alcoholic beverages, and several tablespoons dating to 1780-81 survive from this commission.
An astute businessman, AbrahamVan Bibber supplied large quantities of gunpowder to Maryland and Virginia during the Revolution. He purchased land in both colonies, ultimately residing at Paradise plantation near Baltimore. Abraham and Sarah’s French silver descended in the family until its recent acquisition by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
InscribedEngraved in conjoined sprigged script on side of body to left of handle “ASVB”
