Tankard

Date1686-1700

Artist/Maker John Donne (1572 - 1631)

MediumPewter

DimensionsOH: 6 1/4"; Diam (base): 4 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-462

DescriptionTankard; Flat lid with triple reeded edge and crenate lip, true ramshorne thumbpiece, shaped hollow-cast handle with shield at top and terminating in similar shield form, plain drum body with sight "entasis" with a moulded lip at top and flaring moulded base.
Label TextIt is not surprising that John Donne is associated with many fine tankards, for he was described in 1696 as a "pottmaker." He was reported as "Mr Donne pewterer to their late Majesties Queen Anne and King George at the Pewter Dish in Great New Street near Foster Lane" in the Daily Journal for April 29, 1730.
InscribedNone
MarkingsTouch mark a hand holding a seal between its thumb and index finger with "I" to the left, "D" to the right, and "1686" above within a beaded circle on interior center-bottom of base (London Touch Plate II, 422; Cotterell 1415A; Peal Addenda 1415A). Pseudo hallmarks (1) black letter I, (2) black letter D, (3) leopard's head crowned, and (4) lion passant, each within a separate rectangle on top of cover.
ProvenanceVendor: A.H. Isher & Son, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.