Cream Pot

Dateca. 1815

Maker Nathaniel Vernon (1777 - 1843)

OriginAmerica, South Carolina, Charleston

MediumSilver

DimensionsOH: 4 5/8" OW: 5" OD: 3 ½"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund

Object number2012-161,1

DescriptionSilver cream pot: boat-shaped body on ball feet, with squared strap handles; low-domed, flat top lid with hatched finial; milled banding of leaves on the foot and rim and an engraved floral and leaf border on shoulder.

Label TextSilver production continued apace in Charleston during the early 19th century, often exhibiting the makers’ familiarity with current Empire or late classical taste. This diminutive cup [2012-89] is an understated expression of the Empire style in Charleston, while the ample size, boat-shaped bodies, ball feet, and squared handles of the creamer and sugar dish reflect the more robust expressions of the movement. All three feature the decorative milled banding seen on much American and British silver of the period—acorns and oak-leaves on the foot and rim of the cup and an undulating leaf pattern on the other two vessels. Milled banding was made using decoratively cut steel rollers, a costly addition to any silversmith’s shop. The leaf pattern on the creamer and sugar dish appears occasionally on silver marked by several different Charleston craftsmen, suggesting a cooperative craft relationship within the city.
Inscribedengraved in script JES
MarkingsMarked in relief on base in serrated rectangle "N.VERNON". Note that mark is chattered

Exhibition(s)