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Porringer
Davis, Watson & Co. (about 1820)
Edward E. Watson (American, died in 1839)
Samuel Davis (American, active 1807–1842)
Bartlett M. Bramhill (American, active about 1820)
Edward E. Watson (American, died in 1839)
Samuel Davis (American, active 1807–1842)
Bartlett M. Bramhill (American, active about 1820)
about 1820
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
5 x 20.5 cm (1 15/16 x 8 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. Arthur Croft—The Gardner Brewer Collection
Accession Number01.6449
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsSilver hollowware
Acquired in 1901, this modest keyhole-handled porringer was omitted by Kathryn C. Buhler from her two-volume catalogue of the Museum’s silver published in 1972, probably on the grounds that it fell outside the temporal boundaries of her book. It is included here as a representative example of a form that enjoyed a long popularity in this country.
The little-known firm of Davis, Watson & Co. was working in Boston in 1820 and consisted of the partnership of Samuel Davis, Edward Watson, and Bartlett M. Bramhill. Davis, active in Boston as a jeweler as early as 1807, and Watson may have been in partnership as early as 1815. By 1825 the Boston Directory indicates that they were “importers.”
The Museum’s collection also includes a pair of sugar tongs (1971.317) and a tablespoon (1971.318) by the same firm.
This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.
The little-known firm of Davis, Watson & Co. was working in Boston in 1820 and consisted of the partnership of Samuel Davis, Edward Watson, and Bartlett M. Bramhill. Davis, active in Boston as a jeweler as early as 1807, and Watson may have been in partnership as early as 1815. By 1825 the Boston Directory indicates that they were “importers.”
The Museum’s collection also includes a pair of sugar tongs (1971.317) and a tablespoon (1971.318) by the same firm.
This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.
DescriptionThe raised porringer is of standard form, with convex sides, domed bottom with center punch, everted rim, and applied cast handle in the so-called keyhole pattern.
Marks
"DAVIS [pellet] WATSON & CO." in rectangle struck on underside of handle
Ada Mark * F4363
Ada Mark * F4363
Inscriptions"W" on top of handle
ProvenanceEarly history unknown. The engraved initial on the handle may stand for a member of the Weld family. Probably collected by Gardner Brewer, Boston. Part of the large and diverse bequest from the Gardner Brewer Collection by his daughter, Mrs. Arthur Croft, in July 1901.