Images(2)

"Taster" or Toy Porringer

Dateca.1788-1823

Maker Richard Lee, Sr. or Jr.

OriginAmerica, New England

MediumPewter

DimensionsOverall: 3 1/2”; Diameter at rim: 2 9/16”; Height: 3/4"

Credit LineGift of Scott and Debra Duncan

Object number2022-180

DescriptionSmall pewter porringer with a modified "Old English" handle, pierced by seven apertures, and supported from below by a wedge bracket. The basin bowl has a lip projecting to the outside and a raised boss at the bottom. There are no traces of a linen mark in the bowl, and what may be a partial course of rouletting traces below its lip.Label TextThough unmarked, this tiny porringer was made by Richard Lee, Sr., or his son Richard Lee, Jr., based on "R:LEE" marked examples of the form. Both men moved their businesses a number of times, and had plied the pewter trade in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont at various times. Between the two, most of their career was spent in Vermont. Diminutive vessels like this one are thought of as "taster" porringers, or toys intended for use by a child.