Images(12)

Porringer and Lid

DatePorringer ca. 1765; Lid ca. 1815

Maker Paul Revere Jr. (1734 - 1818)

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston (porringer); Massachusetts (probably) (lid)

MediumSilver

DimensionsOW: 8 ¼”; ODiam. (bowl): 5 5/8"; OH: 1” (tip of handle); OH: 7/8” (top of bowl). Porringer (A) with lid (B): OH:3 ¾”.

Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage

Object number2020-266,A&B

DescriptionSilver “keyhole” porringer: Raised circular body with low central boss and bellied sides with narrow flared rim. Cast openwork handle of conventional keyhole pattern soldered to body at slight upward angle.
Silver lid for porringer: Raised, stepped, and domed circular lid with applied narrow bezel and ball finial with short stem soldered at top of lid. Note: Air vent hole on inside of lid beneath finial.
Label TextPaul Revere is the best-known American colonial silversmith, partially due to his famous ride alarming the countryside of the advancing British troops. Unlike many of his English counterparts, he almost certainly spent the first half of his career actually making silver as well as supervising the work of others in his shop. In addition to silversmithing, Revere engraved prints and bookplates, ran an import business, established a bell and cannon foundry, and started the first successful copper rolling mills in the new nation. Thanks to the rare survival of record books, many of the objects made in the Revere silver shop are well documented.
InscribedPorringer: Engraved on top of handle in block letters “M/P†M”
Lid: Not engraved
MarkingsPorringer: Marked in relief on back of handle and on top center of boss: “•REVERE” [Kane 1998, p. 295, mark B]

Lid: Unmarked
ProvenancePhilip and Mary Marett (orginal owers, aunt and uncle of Paul Revere)
Firestone and Parson, Boston, October 14, 1970
Bequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage