Images(2)

Tall Beaker

Dateca.1788-1800

Maker Edward Danforth

OriginAmerica, Connecticut, Middletown and Hartford

MediumPewter

DimensionsHeight: 5 1/8"; Maximum diameter; 3 5/8"

Credit LineGift of Scott and Debra Duncan

Object number2022-189

DescriptionTall pewter beaker with a plain everted lip, tapered sides, and a flared, moulded foot.
Label TextAttractive and simple, beakers have long been popular. During the 18th century, American pewtersmiths made them in a variety of sizes and proportions, with the most common of the taller versions similar in appearance to this beaker.

Made by a member of the prolific Danforth family of pewtersmiths, Edward wasn't in the business very long, and his products are scarce. He was also not the first to use the molds this beaker was cast in. Once owned by Robert Bonnynge of Boston (working ca.1731-1763), it was also used by Thomas Danforth II (working ca.1755-1782), Joseph Danforth (working ca.1780-1788), and Thomas Boardman (working ca.1804-1873). As such, it is not impossible that beakers were cast in this mold for more than a century.
MarkingsBottom of inside struck with "E D" flanking a lion, rampant to the left, all in relief within a beaded "figure of 8" shaped cartouche with a stippled background (Jacobs-82). Only the lower portion of the mark is now visible.