Images(4)

Pitcher

Dateca. 1826

Marked by Lewis Cary (1798 - 1834)

Marked by John Coney (1655/56 - 1722)

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston

MediumSilver

DimensionsOH: 6 3/8" OL: 7 1/8" Diam at belly: 4 7/8"; Diam of base: 3 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2013-25

DescriptionPitcher or jug with flat base and ovoid "Liverpool”-jug shaped body with plain straight-sided neck and large everted pouring lip; upper rim, lip, and base are bordered by drawn molded bands; plain angular hollow handle.
Label TextSilversmith Lewis Cary incorporated into this pitcher a disk of silver, probably from a tankard lid, made more than a century earlier by John Coney of Boston. Coney’s mark can be seen on the interior base of the pitcher. This evidence of cutting and piecing old metal objects without re-melting the silver is an important document of time-saving shop practices in both America and England.
InscribedEngraved in script on body opposite handle "Presented / --by the-- / Boston Soap Stone Company / to their Agent / Mr. Thomas Patten. / --1826.--". Also engraved in later but compatible script on the base "Caroline M. Patten Shillaber" and "William Green Shillaber" (the mark of L. Cary is between William and Green, with the inscription engraved around the mark).
MarkingsMarked in relief on base "* L. Cary *" in a serrated scrolled banner, with asterisks in either end of the banner. Marked in relief in the interior base "IC" above a small cross in a heart-shaped cartouche (Kane mark b for John Coney).