Porringer
Date1730-1754
Maker
Paul Revere Sr.
1704 - 1754
MediumSilver
DimensionsOH: 2"; OL: 8 3/8"; Diam. at belly: 5 3/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1967-627
DescriptionPorringer of typical form: round bowl with bellied sides and dome or boss in center of base; "keyhole" handle attached at rim.Label TextSilver “keyhole” handle porringers remained popular into the early nineteenth century. This early example bears a mark used by Paul Revere, Sr., who trained his more famous patriot son in the craft of silversmithing.Inscription(s)Engraved in block letters on front of handle "S/I*E".Mark(s)Struck in relief inside bowl and on back of handle "P•Revere" in semi-script (see Kane, page 848, mark e).ProvenanceThe initials "S/I*E" on the handle are said to be for "John and Elizabeth Sleeper of New Hampshire. Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth Folsom, married Captain John Noble, and their daughter, Elizabeth, married John Sleeper. The porringer descended in the Sleeper family of Portsmouth and Exeter, New Hampshire, and did not leave the family until it was acquired by the dealer (The Earl B. Osborns, 350 Main St., Easthampton, Massachusetts). Information supplied by vendor:
"This porringer by Paul Revere, Sr., descended in the Sleeper family of Portsmouth and Exeter, New Hampshire. Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth Folsom married Captain John Noble, and their daughter Elizabeth married John Sleeper. The Sleepers were related to the early families of the region . . . Gilman, Tilton, Folsom and Noble."
[Above history of ownership transcribed from object file. Not verified as of 5/19/2010 per JES.]
