Dish

Date1807-1812

Artist/Maker Jacob Eggleston

OriginAmerica, North Carolina, Fayetteville

MediumPewter

DimensionsDiam: 11 ¼"; W (rim): 1 ¼"

Credit LineGift of Mr. Thomas A. Gray in memory of John Bivins, Jr.

Object number2001-826

DescriptionCircular pewter dish with single reed rimLabel TextSouthern pewter is rare; this dish is one of the few such pieces in the Colonial Williamsburg collection. Jacob Eggleston was one of several Connecticut pewterers who sought a living elsewhere. Born in Middletown, Connecticut, in 1773, he likely began his apprenticeship with Jacob Whitmore in 1787. Eggleston married Whitmore's daughter, Sarah, in 1792. After several trips south, Eggleston purchased property in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1807. He commenced business that year with Daniel Bass, a tinsmith from Berlin, Connecticut, as his junior partner. They advertised in the North-Carolina Intelligencer (Fayetteville), April 17, 1807 "Eggleston & Bass Respectfully inform the Public they have commenced the TIN PLATE WORKING PEWTER and COPPER SMITHS BUSINESS, a few Rods south of the State House, on Person Street, Fayetteville, where they have constantly on hand a large assortment of Pewter, Tin and Japanned Ware, which they will dispose of on the most reasonable terms. To Shopkeepers and others who purchase to sell again, their usual allowance will be made." The business closed in 1812, and Eggleston died the following year.

Inscription(s)NoneMark(s)Touch mark an American eagle displayed with stars above within a vertical oval with "JACOB" above and "EGGLESTON" below stamped twice on underside of well (Laughlin 386). ProvenanceGift of Thomas A. Gray, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in memory of John Bivins, Jr.