Images(3)

Punch Strainer with spurious "Benjamin Burt" mark

Dateca. 1750-1770

OriginAmerica or Great Britain

MediumSilver

DimensionsOverall width: 8 3/16"; Height: 1 1/8"; Diameter: 4 3/8"; Weight; 4 oz.

Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage

Object number2020-276

DescriptionSilver punch or lemon strainer with a shallow circular bowl and a narrow flared rim capped by an applied lip. Two scrolling rococo handles, edged with foliage, are set on the rim opposite each other. The bottom of the bowl is filled with a geometric pattern of uniform circular piercings.
InscribedOne handle deeply engraved with the weight mark "5 oz."
MarkingsMarked in relief on the bottom of one handle "BENIAMIN/ BURT" within a plain conforming cartouche. This mark is spurious, unlisted in Kane, and is seemingly a misinterpreted imitation of mark A.
ProvenancePurchased at auction from C.G. Sloan & Co, March 27, 1977, lot 1439.