Images(3)

Cream pail

Date1752-1753

Maker Samuel Herbert

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOH: 3 7/8"; H(rim): 1 27/32"; D(rim): approx. 2 5/8"; D(base): 1 11/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-556

DescriptionCream pot: pierced bail handle of flattened-chain design with pivot attachments to opposing sides of body at rim; seamed body of truncated conical form with four evenly-spaced bands of incised reeding; flat inset base.Label TextAlthough first appearing about 1730, most cream pails date from between 1760 and 1780. Many examples from the second half of the century are pierced and fitted with blue glass liners. James Geddy, the Williamsburg silversmith, advertised in the Virginia Gazette of June 4, 1772, that he had just imported for sale, among other small silver articles and a considerable listing of jewelry, "chased Cream Buckets." The 1777 inventory of the estate of William Pearson, a Williamsburg tanner, listed "1 silver Cream bucket & Ladle 70/." An example with similar banded sides and interlaced handle of 1761/62 by Alexander Johnston of London is in the Virginia Historical Society, Richmond. It was originally owned by John Robinson (1704-1766) of King and Queen County, Virginia, who served as speaker of the House of Burgesses and treasurer of the colony.Inscription(s)Owner's crest engraved on face of body.Mark(s)Maker's mark "S.H" with "H" above and "B" below in block letters within a cruciform-shaped reserve, leopard's head crowned, lion passant, and date letter on underside of base.ProvenanceC. J. Vander Ltd., London, 1954
Vendor: Garrard & Co. Ltd., London