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Tankard
Maker SH (English, active 1681–1691)
English
about 1688
Object Place: London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
15.24 x 22.86 x 13.97 cm (6 x 9 x 5 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the grandchildren of James Dellinger Barney
Accession Number1991.1090
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsSilver hollowware
DescriptionThis is a spouted tankard with slightly tapering sides, molded foot and lip. There are two scored bands at the edge of the scalloped, flat-topped lid; entwined dolphins form the thumbpiece. The scrolled, seamed handle has a circular vent below its curved terminus. There are old repairs to lid, thumbpiece, body, and base. The discrepancy in weight may be attributed to the solder used in repairing the tankard at an unknown date.
Marks
To right of handle and on lid: HS [linked]; leopard head crowned; [date letter l: 1688]; lion passant. On handle, SH linked.
InscriptionsSH engraved at a later date on handle. Scratch weight of 23"6' noted three times on base.
ProvenanceAccording to family tradition, the later addition of initials SH to handle may suggest ownership in the nineteenth century by Stephen Higginson, founder of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. By descent to Mr. and Mrs James Dellinger Barney (Margaret Higginson); to their daughter, Margaret Barney Hallowell (Mrs. William Ladd Hallowell); March 11, 1942, lent by Mrs. Hallowell and/or Mrs. W. Jackson Woodin to MFA; January 22, 1992, gift of the Barney grandchildren, Margaret H. H. Titus (Mrs. Robert Titus), Christopher L. Hallowell, Faith W. Kauders (Mrs. Andrew Kauders), W. J. Woodin, Jr., and Joshua Woodin to the MFA.