Porringer

Dateca.1800-1810

Maker Jesse Churchill (1773 - 1819)

MediumSilver

DimensionsOverall: 8 1/16”; Diameter of bowl: 5 5/16"; Height to top of bowl: 1 13/16"

Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage

Object number2020-297

DescriptionPorringer with a raised bowl featuring a slightly everted rim, curved sides, and a stepped and domed bottom bearing a center point to the underside. Cast keyhole handle soldered at a slightly upward angle to the bowl at the rim.
Label TextPopular as a multi-purpose vessel for food and drink alike, porringers were first made in America during the middle of the 17th century. While the form fell out of favor in most of the colonies by the middle of the 18th century, they were still being made in New England well into the 19th century. This example, of typical form with a common "keyhole" type handle, is no different than identical porringers made many decades before.
InscribedFront of bowl engraved "MJW" in intertwined sprigged script.
MarkingsStruck in relief on back of handle: “I•CHURCHILL" within a rectangle (slightly doubled).