10-25-201510-25-2015
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2855BBoston
October 25, 2015 10:00 AMCalender
10

Silver Tankard

Sell one like this
$6,765$5,500
Auction: American Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2855BLocation: BostonDate / Time: October 25, 2015 10:00AM

Description:

Silver Tankard, John Burt, Boston, Massachusetts, c. 1740, the turned and stepped domed lid over a tapered cylindrical body with applied band at lower body, the front with engraved inscription "The Gift of John Swan who Died/May 1 1743 AE 75 To his Son John Swan"; hollow scroll handle with scroll thumbpiece with a rounded drop at upper joining, maker's mark "JOHN/BURT" in a cartouche on the body to the right of the upper handle terminal, (minor imperfections),ht. 7 3/8 in.

Note: John Swan (1668-1743) was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and moved to Stonington, Connecticut, c. 1703-06, where he and his wife Susanna Eastman Swan raised seven children. John (1700-1781),their first-born son, was presented the tankard on May 1, 1743. An early note accompanying the tankard drafted by John Swan's (1700-1781) grandson John (1788-1818) describes the life of John Swan (1688-1743),the original owner of this tankard: "when a Child had a little drum which he beat uppon when the indians attacted the house of his father as it was the mother of my grand father they wanted as they had murdered he first husband a taylor and one Child and they took her prisoner and kept her on year and ten months when he escaped in exchanging prisoners She came to haveril then Wido where she married this Crazy headed John Swan..."
Estimate $4,000-6,000

Minor dings and dents in body, foot has several dents.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

John Swan, Susanna Eastman Swan, John Burt, Stonington, Haverhill