Pitcher and Beaker

Dateca. 1815

Marked by Asa Blanchard (fl. 1789 - 1838)

OriginAmerica, Kentucky, Lexington

MediumSilver

DimensionsPitcher: H. 6”; L. 7 1/8”; D. 4 1/8” Beaker: H. 3 ¼”; D. 3”

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund

Object number2019-101,1&2

DescriptionSilver pitcher and beaker marked by Asa Blanchard: Pitcher or jug with flat circular base and ovoid or "Liverpool”- shaped body with plain straight-sided neck, large everted pouring lip, and plain angular hollow handle. The upper rim and lip are bordered by drawn molded bands; the base is bordered by a plain band. Beaker with inset circular bottom and, seamed, slightly flared straight side. Base and rim of beaker are bordered by drawn molded bands.
Label TextAsa Blanchard worked in eastern Virginia under the name Blansett before moving to Lexington, Kentucky, in 1806. It is not known why he took an earlier version of his family surname, but Blanchard began advertising with his new moniker in 1807. He rapidly became the most prolific silversmith in Kentucky, producing boldly shaped hollowwares like this pitcher. Blanchard’s ads offered “Silver Teapots, Sugar and Cream Pots, Tankards, Cans and Tumblers and all kinds of Ladles and Spoons; all kinds of Gold and Hair work; Watch and Clock work.” His clientele included Kentucky’s elite and his business thrived until his death in 1838.

Blanchard constructed these objects from narrow sheets of silver produced by a flatting or rolling mill, a technology widely adopted following the end of the Revolution. In the early 19th century, this approach often resulted in rectilinear, straight-sided forms, such as this beaker. The pitcher, which may be the one of the earliest examples of the form known by Blanchard, is also constructed from narrow strips of sheet silver soldered together in a complex pattern and then hammered to create the swelled body of the vessel. Later pitchers by Blanchard feature a raised body with neck, handle, and spout formed from seamed sheet silver.

InscribedPitcher and beaker both engraved in sprigged script with the letter "C"
MarkingsPitcher and beaker both marked in relief on their bases: 1) "A•BLANCHARD" in a rectangle with uneven short ends; and 2) an eagle rising, wings displayed and inverted, head truned to proper right, in a conforming cartouche.

ProvenanceVendor: H. Marshall Goodman, Jr.

Exhibition(s)