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2020-279,1-3, Tea Service
Covered Sugar Bowl (from a 3-piece service)
2020-279,1-3, Tea Service

Covered Sugar Bowl (from a 3-piece service)

Dateca.1790-1795
Maker Garrett Schanck (1768 - 1795)
OriginAmerica, New York, New York City
MediumSilver
DimensionsHeight: 8 7/16"; Diameter at lip: 4"; Base: 2 7/8" square
Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage
Object number2020-279,2a&b
DescriptionUrn-shaped sugar bowl of round section connected to a square base by the stepped circular foot of its narrow neck. Both ends of the neck are edged with milled, beaded bands, as is the rim. Its circular concave lid is domed, capped by a pineapple finial, and is engraved with wavy and dotted lines around its edge.
Label TextEpitomizing the American neoclassical tea service, this set masterfully combines finely detailed ornamentation with broad expanses of smooth, polished metal. It is the work of Garrett Schanck, who died when he was only twenty-seven years old. Schenck had been apprenticed to Daniel Van Voorhis in 1784, and was working as his partner by 1791, the same year he married. Garrett's younger brother John, who was to become a noted silversmith, administered the estate along with Sarah, his widow. The 1795 estate inventory listed "5 pineapples" valued at 5 shillings each, certainly representing finials like those seen on this set's teapot and sugar bowl.
InscribedBoth sides of body are engraved with swag-draped crested shields, highlighted by bright-cuts and rows of doted lines. The initials "GP" in sprigged script appear within the shield.
MarkingsStruck on one side of the base with "G.SCHANCK" in relief within a rectangle. To either side of Schanck's mark is an "m" in relief within a shield, and a spread eagle in relief within an oval.