Flagon

Date1691-1715

MediumPewter

DimensionsOH: 12 1/2"; Diam (base): 5 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1981-175

DescriptionFlagon: Acorn finial on tall double-domed cover with moulded banding between stages and at constriction above narrow everted rim; underside of dover fitted with a rather deep bezel; upper hinge plate with two interior knuckles at one end and thumpiece rising vertically from the other in the form of a fan with face towards cover ornamented with three central gadroon-faced lobes above a shell flanked by graduated beading on outer edges and ears; lower hinge plate of rectangular form soldered to upper face of handle with three knuckles and unusual upward-curled lower end; solid S-scroll handle of D-shaped section with plain attachments to body and spade terminal; tall tapered cylindrical body with multiple moulding at trim complementing that of cover; bold fillet moulding below lower handle join and repeated above tall base of cyma profile with offset at its contraflexture and moulded bottom edge.
Label TextThis splendid flagon is particularly handsome in its general stance and various details. Its strap handle and expressive thumbpiece appear as holdovers from the late seventeenth century, while its elegantly slender and tailored body is consonant with the late baroque principles of the first years of the new century. This flagon shares some of the same aspects as the spire flagon that was evolving at this same time and is represented by four other flagons in the Colonial Williamsburg collection (accessions 1986-87, 1985-70, 1950-857, and 1957-149). Its maker, although unidentified, struck this touch mark on the second London Touch Plate in 1691. This piece and an associated paten (accession 1981-176) were originally the gift of Samuel Symonds to Saint Nicholas Church, near Oxford.
Inscribed"Ex Dono Samuel Symonds Gent:" engraved in script on face of body opposite handle. This piece and the following paten were originally the gift of Samuel Symonds to St. Nicholas Church, near Oxford.
MarkingsTouch mark the apparent cipher "TAOB" within a beaded circle struck twice on face of handle (London touch Plate II, 471; Cotterell 5474).
ProvenanceSt. Nicholas Church, Oxfordshire. F. Scott-Nicholson, Carlisle, Cumberland. Cyril C. Minchin, Bucklebury, Berkshire, from whom Colonial Williamsburg purchased it.