Images(2)

Porringer

PewtererMade by Thomas Danforth Boardman and Sherman Boardman (American, 1810 - 1860)

Date1815-1825

MediumCast pewter

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width with handle x depth at rim): 1 5/8 x 5 1/2 x 3 15/16in. (4.1 x 14 x 10cm)

ClassificationsMetalware

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number1987.159.0

DescriptionCast pewter porringer with a basin-shaped body with straight, slightly flared sides. The porringer has a bead at the rim. The bottom of the porringer consists of a raised circular boss in the center, surrounded by a flat gutter. At the rim on one side, there is a handle that is burned on, or cast on directly, to the porringer. The handle is pierced and shaped like a crown. The top surface of the handle has a rectangular mark with the raised letters "TD&SB". There is a linen mark on the interior of the porringer, corresponding to the location of the handle. Skimming marks are visible on the interior of the porringer and on the underside of the boss.

Skimming Marks: Skimming marks are concentric rings left on cast pewter objects by skimming tools. Skimming is the process of removing metal and smoothing rough surfaces by scraping the pewter object as it rotates on a lathe.

Linen Marks: Linen marks are the impressions left behind by the piece of linen used in the process of burning a pewter handle directly onto the body of a pewter object.

NotesSubject Note: Porringer. A porringer is a shallow, flat-bottomed bowl which has one horizontal, pierced handle that is flush with the rim. They were sometimes made in pairs or sets, and they vary in size. The precise purpose of porringers is in question, but it is thought that broth or gruel were eaten from them.

Status

Not on view