Images(4)

Bowl

Dateca.1795-1803

Maker Alexander Gordon (d. 1803)

OriginAmerica, New York, New York City

MediumSilver

DimensionsDiameter: 6 7/8"; Height: 4 7/8"; Foot: 4 1/4" square

Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage

Object number2020-296

DescriptionSilver bowl with a square base and a circular incurving neck with a beaded base. Its hemispherical bowl has a rim reinforced by an applied beaded and moulded edge.
Label TextAlexander Gordon had only been in business for about eight years before he passed away in 1803, and few pieces of his holloware are known. One of his illustrated bills survives in the Beekman Papers at the New York Historical Society. Gordon advertised that he made "every article of Table and Tea Equipage" in the "most Fashionable Variety of Forms, Taste, & elegance" at his shop at "40 William Street near Wall Street."

Bowls of this size could have been used for a number of purposes during the end of the 18th century, ranging from punch to the discards of tea.
InscribedEngraved with "JB" monograms on two opposite sides of the bowl, done in sprigged script.
MarkingsEach corner of the underside of the base is struck with "GORDON" in relief, in a crenelated rectangle.
ProvenancePurchased from Eric Shrubsole, Ltd. (New York), on October 1, 1973.