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Mug

SilversmithMade by John Coburn American, 1725 - 1803
Original OwnerOriginally owned by Thomas Welles American, 1692 - 1767
Dateabout 1760
MediumRaised and cast silver
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width including handle x depth): 5 3/8 x 6 x 4 1/4in. (13.7 x 15.2 x 10.8cm)
ClassificationsMetalware
Credit LineGift of Mary Dexter
DescriptionRaised and cast silver mug with a cylindrical rim and neck over a baluster-shaped, or bulbous, body and a round, molded foot. The mug has an ear-shaped, or broken scroll, handle which extends into a C-curve on the bottom, over a leaf-shaped terminal. The top of the handle has a raised leaf that extends into a small spur. The outside of the handle is engraved with the initials "T*W". The handle is separated from the body of the mug by a stepped cylinder at the top and by a small, oval disc at the bottom. The body of the mug is raised; there is a centerpunch on the underside of the body. The handle and foot are cast and soldered to the body.

The rim and neck of the mug are no longer perfectly cylindrical. The exterior of the mug is lightly scratched and has multiple small dents at the shoulder. The foot has additional scratches and dents.

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.
Object number1913.2.0
MarkingsTo the left of the handle, at the rim, is a rectangular mark of "J. COBURN".InscribedThe outside of the handle is engraved with the initials "T*W".
Subject Terms
    On View
    Not on view
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