Images(13)

Cream pot

Dateca. 1820

Marked by John Adam (1775 - 1848)

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Alexandria

MediumSilver

DimensionsOH: 6 ¼”; OW across handle/spout: 5 3/8”; OD across edge of lip: 3 ¼”

Credit LineGift of Cliff Fleet and Fran Zemmel

Object number2022-1

DescriptionSilver cream pot: Stepped high oval splayed foot supports lobed oval body with two convex bands beneath squared shoulder. Incurving neck with everted pouring lip edged with narrow gadrooned band. Slender, tapering angular strap handle with small, everted scroll at two-thirds from lower juncture.
Label TextNeoclassical cream pots like this were inspired by the helmets worn by ancient Greek warriors. By turning the form upside down, transforming the neck protector into a spout, and adding a foot and handle, a beautiful serving vessel was created. This example was wrought by jeweler and silversmith John Adam of Alexandria, known for producing cream pots in this popular style.

Made for a member of the Sherrard family, it carries a lightly engraved "S" on the right side of the body. After two centuries of direct decent it was presented to Colonial Williamsburg, having never left Virginia.
InscribedEngraved “S” in sprigged script on proper right side of body.
MarkingsStamped in relief once on edge of foot “JA” in script in an oval.
ProvenanceThis cream pot has a direct family line of descent from the Sherrard family of Virginia to the donor, Clifford B. Fleet. Per donor, the piece has never left Virginia.