Images(3)

Cann

Dateca.1755-1765

Maker Myer Myers (1723 - 1795)

OriginAmerica, New York, New York City

MediumSilver

DimensionsHeight: 5 1/8"; Width across body & handle: 5 1/4"; Diameter at mouth: 3 5/16"; Diameter at base: 3 3/4"; Weight: 13 oz.

Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage

Object number2020-275

DescriptionBaluster-shaped silver cann with thickened everted rim, a double scroll handle with acanthus leaf grip and a forked scroll terminal, and a molded, circular foot.
Label TextPerfectly proportioned and restrained in its decoration, canns of this elegant form were often ordered from American craftsmen of the last half of the 18th century. This example, perhaps once one of a pair, was wrought by Myer Myers, New York City's leading silversmith of the time. It bears the engraved initials of an unidentified married couple on the handle.

Myers, born in New York to a Jewish family, had a career which spanned a half century. Despite his heritage, he was so well respected he became Freeman of the Corporation of New York City, which allowed him to conduct business, serve in public office, and even vote in elections. It is thought around twenty-eight of Myers's silver canns survive.
InscribedHandle engraved "L" over "IM,' separated by a pellet below the tip of the grip. Bottom scratched with a partially illegible weight of "oz 13 14."
MarkingsBottom struck twice with "Myers" in script relief within a partially conforming surround to one side of the center punch (Barquist, mark 8), with "MM" conjoined in relief within a rectangle struck twice on the other side (Barquist, Mark 4).
ProvenancePurchased from Shrubsole (New York, NY), on May 24,1996.