Images(2)

Bowl

Dateca.1775

Maker Burger & Pritchard

OriginAmerica, New York, New York City

MediumSilver

DimensionsDiameter at lip: 6 1/2"; Height: 2 15/16"; Diameter of foot: 3 1/2"

Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage

Object number2020-299

DescriptionSilver bowl with a round, moulded base and a hemispherical bowl with a thickened rim.
Label TextLikely made by John Burger and James Pritchard, who formed a partnership in New York City before 1776, when both men took up arms against the King. Burger fled to Connecticut when the British took the city in 1776, and didn't return until after they left at war's end. Back in town by the end of 1783, Burger was then in business for himself.

Though plain, this bowl is stoutly made and heavy. It clearly remained in use for a long time, as evidenced by wear to the bottom of its foot and its much later inscription. Regardless, it is a fine example of the rare, early work of one of New York's more prominent tradesmen of the last part of the 18th century.
InscribedAt some point during the 20th century the front of the bowl was engraved in with a three-masted sailing ship to the right, above a quartered shield similar to that of Great Britain, over "SPERO MELIORA" (aspire for better things), over "HGL," over 1756.
MarkingsStruck on the bottom, above and below the center punch, "B&P" in relief within a rectangle and with "NYork" in relief within a conforming rectangle.