Images(3)

Wine Funnel

Dateca. 1761-1800

Maker Frederick Bassett

OriginAmerica, Connecticut, Hartford or New York, New York City

MediumPewter

Credit LineGift of Scott and Debra Duncan

Object number2022-207

DescriptionTwo-stage funnel with a molded cone-shaped upper section and a plain narrow spout. Pierced near the rim above Bassett's mark, likely for a hanging loop.Label TextA succession of Bassett family pewterers working in New York City spans almost the entirety of the 18th century. Their products have come to epitomize American pewter of the era, and this wine funnel is a very scarce survival.

Frederick Bassett is believed to have received his father John's pewter making tools at the age of twenty-one when his father passed away in 1761. Becoming a freeman of the city in 1769, Frederick moved his business to Hartford, Connecticut during the Revolution. Since he returned to his hometown after the war had ended and the British departed, it can be assumed he was loyal to the Patriot cause. He died in New York City in 1800, leaving no son to take over his business.Mark(s)F•B, with a fleur-de-lis above and below, in relief within an oval (Laughlin-465).ProvenanceEx. Coll.: George Wolfe (Reading, PA)