Images(3)

"Old English" Handle Porringer

Dateca.1796-1816

Maker Samuel Danforth

OriginAmerica, Connecticut, Hartford

MediumPewter

DimensionsOverall: 7 1/4"; Diameter at rim: 4 15/16"; Height: 1 3/4"

Credit LineGift of Scott and Debra Duncan

Object number2022-170

DescriptionPewter porringer with an "Old English" handle lightened by ten apertures, including an upside-down heart and an imperforate pair, supported from below by a triangular bracket. Its bellied bowl has an everted rim and a raised boss surrounded by a recess at the bottom. The handle was cast directly onto the vessel, but only traces of the linen mark remain inside the bowl.
Label TextThe youngest of Thomas Danforth II's sons, Samuel completed his apprenticeship in 1795 and purchased many of his father's pewter-making molds from his brothers. He met with almost instant success in the business, and is known for fine domestic wares, like this porringer, and ecclesiastic wares like baptismal bowls and flagons. Samuel's bold mark includes his full name in capitols surrounding an eagle of the sort found on American coins of the 1798-1807 period. When he died at the age of only 42, he left an estate worth more than $11,000.
MarkingsStruck on top of the handle with "SAMUEL DANFORTH," within a toothed circle, around another circle containing an American "spread eagle" and stars, all in relief (Jacobs-108).