Tankard
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Governor Joseph Talcott
(American, 1669 - 1741)
SilversmithMade by
Jacob Hurd
(American, 1703 - 1758)
Dateabout 1740, spout and some engraving added in the 1890s
MediumRaised and cast silver
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width with lid x depth): 8 5/8 x 8 x 5 1/4in. (21.9 x 20.3 x 13.3cm)
ClassificationsMetalware
Credit LineBequest of Joseph T. Hall
Object number1982.68.1
DescriptionSilver tankard with a stepped-domed lid that has a compressed ball finial at the top and a scrolled thumbpiece to one side; the lid is joined to the top of the handle with a hinge. The body of the tankard is cylindrical, with straight sides that taper from bottom to top. The body has molding at the rim, a raised band about two-thirds down, and molding at the foot. At one side of the tankard is an ear-shaped handle with an applied, disc-shaped terminal. A small, raised medallion is located at the top of the handle, near the hinge. Immediately below this are the engraved initials and date "J * T/ 1690" (initials re-cut, date added). The exterior surface of the handle is flat, and the interior surface is rounded. Opposite the handle is a short, curved spout that covers multiple holes punched through the side of the tankard. Each side of the tankard is engraved (later addition). To the right of the handle is a coat of arms consisting of a rampant griffin over a shield. The shield contains a vertical banner with three flowers down the center. Below the coat of arms is "Joseph Talcott". To the left of the handle is engraved "Governor of Connecticut/ from/ 1724 to 1742." The lid and body of the tankard are raised. There is a centerpunch on the underside of the lid. The finial, handle, spout, and foot are cast and soldered to the tankard. The tankard has light scratches and only small dents.
The spout, the engraved date on the handle, and the engraving on each side of the tankard are later additions. The initials "J*T" engraved on the handle may be original to the object, but have been re-cut.
Centerpunch: A centerpunch is a small, recessed point made as the first step of a technique called raising, used to make silver hollowware. The silversmith marks the center of a silver disc with a punch, or centerpunch. Working out from that center point, the silversmith beats the silver disc with a hammer to form the shape of the finished object.
The spout, the engraved date on the handle, and the engraving on each side of the tankard are later additions. The initials "J*T" engraved on the handle may be original to the object, but have been re-cut.
Centerpunch: A centerpunch is a small, recessed point made as the first step of a technique called raising, used to make silver hollowware. The silversmith marks the center of a silver disc with a punch, or centerpunch. Working out from that center point, the silversmith beats the silver disc with a hammer to form the shape of the finished object.
Status
Not on view
