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Water pitcher
Jones, Ball & Poor (1846–1853)
John B. Jones (American, 1782–1854)
True M. Ball (American, 1815–1890)
George B. Jones (1815–1875)
Nathaniel C. Poor (1808–1895)
John B. Jones (American, 1782–1854)
True M. Ball (American, 1815–1890)
George B. Jones (1815–1875)
Nathaniel C. Poor (1808–1895)
about 1849
Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
Overall: 32.4 x 21.6 cm, 806.4 gm (12 3/4 x 8 1/2 in., 1.8 lb.)
Credit Line
Gift of John Herbert Ross and Barbara O'Neil Ross
Accession Number2003.819
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsSilver hollowware
Much American silver of the mid-nineteenth century was produced in relatively small shops and firms, which were often formed by short-lived partnerships. Such was the case in Boston, where a large number of partnerships were active in the industry. The firm of Jones, Ball, and Poor, which produced this handsome presentation pitcher in a florid Rococo-revival style, was in business only a few years under that name. However, firm members, along with other partners, were part of a continuous chain of operations that began in the early nineteenth century and culminated in today's Shreve, Crump & Low.
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.
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.
DescriptionLarge, raised pear-shaped pitcher with repousse and chased floral decoration around body, with an applied, raised, stepped foot with beaded edge; scrolled handle with acanthus and leafage decoration at top and at both upper and lower junction with the body, opposite a flaring handle; band of beaded decoration at rim; reserve for engraved decoration below the spout, with bow-knot below engraving.
Marks
Marked on bottom: "JONES BALL & POOR [in rectangle] / BOSTON / PURESILVER COIN" all around the center punch.
InscriptionsOn side of pitcher: "H. S. W. / from / J. H. W." Date "1849" scratched on bottom.
ProvenanceAccording to the family, the engraved initials stand for Henry Sidney Waldo, who presumably presented the pitcher to an as-yet-unidentified recipient; by descent to John Herbert Ross (1925-2002), the great-great-grandson of Henry Sidney Waldo; by descent to the donor.