Images(20)

Sugar Dish

Date1820-1830

Marked by Alexander Young 1784-1856

OriginAmerica, South Carolina, Camden

MediumSilver

DimensionsOH: 9"; OW: 6 1/4"; OD: 5 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2013-145,A&B

DescriptionCovered silver sugar dish: bulbous body; milled basket weave banding on upper body; upper edge and lower edge of body with milled beaded banding; cast double scroll handles with ball detail; handles with cast ram’s head mounts underneath; spreading square foot with milled beaded banding; foot with a cast, winged griffin on each corner. Domed lid with cast rose finialLabel TextCamden, South Carolina, was the site of two key battles of the American Revolution in 1780 and 1781. Departing British troops burned most of the city in the latter year, but Camden rebuilt and rose to prominence as a rapidly-growing and wealthy metropolis in the post-war years. Its successful rebirth was due largely to shipping on the Wateree River between Camden and Charleston.

More than half a dozen silversmiths are recorded as having worked in Camden prior to 1840. Of these, Alexander Young appears to have been the most prolific. Born in Scotland, he trained in Baltimore prior to settling in Camden by 1807. This sugar dish, part of a now-disbursed tea set, is notable for its unusual patterns of milled banding and its winged animal-paw feet.Inscription(s)Gothic letter "R" on side of body (engraving is worn)Mark(s)Struck in relief "A.Young" in a rectangle on bottom of dish