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Cann
Daniel Parker (1726–1785)
Boston, MA
1750–60
Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
13.2 x 13.5 x 8.2 cm (5 3/16 x 5 5/16 x 3 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Miss Aimée and Miss Rosamond Lamb
Accession Number67.1072
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsSilver hollowware
This cann is one of at least seven made by patriot and silversmith Daniel Parker, most of which have been dated to the 1760s and 1770s. This example may be among the earliest, as it has a simple, hollow scroll handle and an unadorned thumb-grip, in contrast to most others, which have double-scrolled handles and acanthus-leaf thumbgrips.
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.
DescriptionThe raised tulip-shaped vessel is soldered to a cast splayed foot with applied foot ring. An applied molded rim projects a noticeable profile. The cast two-part scrolled handle has a triple drop at the upper joint and an elliptical disk below. A crescent-shaped air vent appears below the handle. This cann has seen considerable use, as indicated by the fine network of surface wear, small random indentations, and noticeable list away from the handle. Several stress cracks are visible on the interior.
Marks
The touchmark "D [pellet] PARKER" in roman letters is overstruck twice three times on base, above center point.
InscriptionsNone.
ProvenanceWhile the original owner of the cann is unknown, it descended in the donor's Boston family along with numerous examples of eighteenth-century paintings, glass, furniture, and silver.