C2001-180: 1936-116 left - 1941-84 middle - 1947-343 right

Commode Pot

Date1680-1710

Maker William Wood II (1645 - 1726)

MediumPewter

DimensionsOH: 7 15/16"; Diam (rim): 13 1/16"; Diam (base): 6"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1936-116

DescriptionCommode Pot
Label TextTapered pots with flaring rims were intended to fit frames with large circular openings in commode chairs and stools. The small "W.W" mark on this commode pot (left) was long hoped by American collectors to be a mark of the noted Philadelphia pewterer William Will. When Charles Swain wrote his informative article on commode pots in 1970, he illustrated a very similar example with this mark, and he commented that he had never seen this mark "on a recognizable form of Will's." (Charles V. Swain, "Commode Forms", PEWTER COLLECTORS CLUB OF AMERICA BULLETIN, VI (August 1970), p. 82. fig. 5, p. 83) Research by Ronald Homer and David Hall both identified William Wood II (1645-1726) of Birmingham as owner of the mark and his context as an important maker and regional figure. They also illustrate distinctive types of tankards, flagons, and cups that relate to examples of his making in the CWF collection.
InscribedOwner's initials "IC" stamped on upper face of rim.
MarkingsTouch mark "W?W" with a rose below within a rounded rectangle on face of rim (Cotterell 6028; Peal MPM 6028; Homer & Hall 44)
ProvenancePurchased from The Old Pewter Shop, London.

Exhibition(s)