Images(6)

Porringer

Date1725-1750

Marked by John Hastier (1691 - 1771)

OriginAmerica, New York, New York City

MediumSilver alloy

DimensionsOverall: 6 3/16"; Height: 1 1/2"; Diam of bowl: 4"

Credit LineRobert F. Grossman and Museum Purchase

Object number2019-90

DescriptionSmall silver porringer with round bowl with low central boss and short integral foot, curved sides, and narrow everted rim. Triangular handle with openwork design of circles, commas, tombstone and heart soldered horizontally to rim of bowl.
Label TextThe lively pattern of circles, tombstone, and heart that adorns the handle of this porringer is more typically found in the work of 17th century silversmiths. New York craftsmen like John Hastier continued to use such designs long after they had fallen from fashion elsewhere in favor of the “keyhole” style of handle. The small size of this silver porringer is also uncommon in American silver.

Hastier's ownership of enslaved people included at least one who practised the trade. Named Jasper, he was described as a run-away silversmith in an advertisement that appeared in a May 1758 issue of the New York Post-Boy.
MarkingsStruck in relief twice on bottom of bowl "IH" conjoined within a heart-shaped cartouche
ProvenanceLillian Cogan, Farmington, Connecticut, October 1973
Collection of Don and Marilyn Forke, sold at Skinner Auctions, Marlboro, MA, August 2019