C2001-169: clockwise 1936-28 upper left; 1956-82 upper right; 1959-20 lower right; 1950-903 lo…

Teapot

Date1748-1766

Artist/Maker John Townsend

MediumPewter

DimensionsOH: 7"; OL: 9 1/2"; Diam (base): 3 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1956-82

DescriptionPear-shaped teapot; peaked finial with flanged wooden inset surmounting tall domed cover with tripartite mid-band and flared rim with incised molding at edge; cover with hinged attachment to and short bezel fitting within rim of body; pear-shaped body with flared rim with incised molding and contracted neck to bulbous lower section with broad incised band at contraflexure; cylindrical handle sockets fitted with loop-shaped handle with scroll grip; paneled curved spout attached to body below band with six circular holes in interior for straining when pouring; body supported on short foot ring.Label TextThis teapot (second from left) and other objects with marks of John Townsend, both teapots and flatwares, are dated before he entered into a series of partnerships in 1766. His baluster-shaped tankard, with an obviously later double-scroll handle and open, scroll thumb piece (CWF accession 1955-355), indicates that he used his own touch mark after 1766, and the tankard is dated accordingly.Inscription(s)NoneMark(s)Touch mark a pascal lamb with a dove with olive branch in bill in flight above within a vertical oval framed bordered by "?IOHN?/TOWNSEND" on underside of base. ProvenanceVendor: Thomas D. & Constance R. Williams, Litchfield, Connecticut.