Tankard
Dateca.1765-1775
Maker
John David, Sr. (1736-1794)
MediumSilver
DimensionsHeight: 8 1/4"; Width across body & handle: 6 1/8"; Diameter at mouth: 4 1/16"; Diameter at base: 4 9/16"
Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage
Object number2020-271
DescriptionBaluster-shaped body set above a cast stepped molded foot. Double-domed molded lid with a turned edge and a bezel fitting within the rim of body. Open chair-back thumbpiece attached to the body with a stepped and molded hinge plate ending in a pendant drop. Hollow double-scroll handle of D-shaped section with a plain oval disc capping the lower terminal.Label TextFashionable in form yet restrained in ornament, this solid tankard was wrought for a member of the Hollingsworth family. It carries their engraved crest and arms over "LLH," believed to be the initials of Levi Hollingsworth (1739-1824), a noted flour, grain, and whiskey merchant based in Philadelphia. A Quaker, Hollingsworth was a staunch patriot, serving with the Philadelphia Light Horse and supplying provisions to the Continental Army during the Revolution. After the war, Hollingsworth expanded his business and began dealing in arms and munitions.
InscribedFront of the body engraved with the arms and crest of Hollingsworth over cyphered "L.L.H." in sprigged script.
MarkingsStruck on the bottom with "I•DAVID" in relief within a rounded rectangle above and below center punch. Also struck twice with lion passant walking right in relief within a rectangle, flanking the center punch.
ProvenancePurchased from Shrubsole (New York), November 5, 1970
