Images(6)

Cream Pot

Date1820-1830

Marked by Alexander Young 1784-1856

OriginAmerica, South Carolina, Camden

MediumSilver

DimensionsOH: 7” OW: 6” (including handle and spout)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2013-107

DescriptionSilver cream pot: four winged paw feet with animal heads support square base with stepped circular round foot beneath a swelled circular body with border of basket-weave milled banding beneath a large, everted pouring lip. Slender curvilinear handle with animal head upper juncture opposite lip
Label 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 cream pot, part of a now-disbursed tea set, is notable for its unusual patterns of milled banding and its winged animal-paw feet.

Camden was South Carolina’s most important inland market town for much of the 19th century. Its success was due largely to its role in the shipment of crops and other raw materials to the port of Charleston via the Wateree River. Several silversmiths worked in Camden prior to 1840, but Alexander Young appears to have been the most prolific. Born in Scotland, he worked in Baltimore before settling in Camden by 1807. Like many inland southern silversmiths, much of his production was in the form of flatware, but several examples of his stylish hollowware survive. Among them is this ambitious cream pot, part of a now-disbursed tea set notable for unusual patterns of milled banding and winged animal-paw feet.Mark(s)Struck in relief "A.Young" in a rectangle on bottom of body (note that the letter "A" is obscured)