Images(2)

Single Reed Dish

Dateca. 1780

Maker The "LOVE" Pewterers

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania (Southeastern region)

MediumPewter

DimensionsDiameter: 10 7/8"; Height: 1"

Credit LineGift of Scott and Debra Duncan

Object number2022-214

DescriptionCircular pewter dish with a concave rim edged by a single bead, and a booged well surrounded by an incised circle.
Label TextAs charming as it is enigmatic, the mark of two "LOVE" birds kissing was used by a number of pewterers working in the Southeastern area of Pennsylvania. These makers include Abraham Hesselberg of Bethlehem (working c.1750-1779), and a host of Philadelphia-based craftsmen like Cornelius Bradford (working c.1753-1770), Johann Philip Alberti (working c.1754-1780), Adam Kehler (working c.1780-1783), John Andrew Brunstrom (working c.1783-1793), and Parks Boyd (working c.1795-1819).
Markings"LONDON" in relief within an arched rectangle with sawtooth sides (Laughlin-868), and two birds kissing beneath a crown flanked by "LO VE" in relief within a circle (Laughlin-869).