Images(5)

Punch Strainer

Dateca. 1745

Maker Jacob Hurd (1702/3 - 1758)

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston

MediumSilver

DimensionsOverall width: 11 1/4"; Height: 1 3/8"; Diameter: 4 1/16"

Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage

Object number2020-277

DescriptionSilver punch or lemon strainer with a shallow circular bowl capped by an applied lip decorated with a milled cable running down it's center. Two undulating rococo handles, edged with rudimentary foliate projections, are set on the rim opposite each other. The bottom of the bowl is filled with a geometric pattern of circular piercings (of two sizes) created from overlayed six-pointed stars of increasing size.
Label TextEdward Tyng (1683-1755), the original owner of this punch strainer, achieved fame for his bold naval exploits. Appointed to be Captain of the batteries and fortifications protecting Boston and its harbor, Tyng found himself patrolling the waters off New England during King George's War.

On June 24, 1744, Tyng, in command of the Massachusetts snow "Prince of Orange," captured the 18-gun French sloop which was then menacing shipping off Cape Cod. This was the first French privateer captured by the forces of the Province and the first naval action fought by an American ship. Tyng became an instant hero, especially to those whose fortunes relied on the maritime trade.

To show their gratitude, a number of merchants who benefited from Tyng's action presented him with a monumental silver cup wrought by Jacob Hurd, the same Boston silversmith who made this strainer. Now in the collection of Yale University (no. 1932.48), the cup weighs almost 100 ounces and is engraved with a magnificent military cartouche on one side along with the inscription "To Edward Tyng Esq - Commander of Ye Snow Prince of Orange As an Acknowlegement of his good Service done the trade in Taking Ye First French Privateer on this Coast the 24th of June 1744. This plate is presented by Several of Ye Merchts. in Boston New England."

Promoted to Commodore and placed in charge of a flotilla the following year, Tyng remained active throughout the rest of the war, and suffered a debilitating stroke in 1749, the effects of which eventually killed him. His treasured silver cup passed to his son William, who remained loyal to the King when the Revolution began.

Seeking to control the undesirably Loyalist behavior of William Tyng, on May 12, 1775, a number of militiamen broke into his house and stole a silver tankard, a laced hat, and what they called "Mr. Tyng's Bishop, a piece of plate (silver) said to be worth 500 pounds Old Tenor." By referring to the cup as such, the memorialist was stating that it was used for "bishop," a drink made with wine, oranges or lemons, sugar, and mulled and spiced port. As with punch, a strainer was required in the preparation of bishop too.

Back in England, Tyng submitted a claim for the loss of "one piece of Plate weighing about 100 ounces," but never got his father's silver trophy back. The Provincial Congress eventually returned the cup to Williams's mother-in-law, a Mrs. Ross, and from her it descended until purchased on behalf of Yale, along with a portrait of Commodore Tyng.

Since this strainer dates from the same time and was made by the same silversmith, it may have been acquired by Commodore Tyng specifically for use with his prized cup during the mid-1740s. Though not stolen during the Revolution, it too remained with his descendants into the 20th century.
InscribedOne side of the bowl engraved "Tyng" in script.
MarkingsStruck once on the bottom of one handle with a tiny "HURD" in relief within a rectangle (Kane mark D).
ProvenanceMade for Commodore Edward Tyng (1702-1758). By decent in the Tyng family until sold to Israel Sack in the mid-20th century.