An Important American Silver Tankard
Myer Myers, New York, 1723-1795
marked MM to neck under rim
33 ozt 12 dwt
Height 8 1/4 inches.

Myer Myers, a Jewish colonial silversmith, was one of the most accomplished smiths working in pre-industrial New England. Beginning his shop in New York in 1750, he became the city's leading silversmith during the late colonial period. Myers's workshop created some of the finest silverware of the period for both domestic and religious use. Examples of his work can be found in the collections of the Yale University Art Gallery, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Jewish Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and New York Historical Society Museum & Library, to name a few.

The baluster form of this tankard is unusual for Myers's work, as most of his tankards have a circular body with straight sides tapering from a molded base. Another unusual example can be found in the collection of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State. Like the one on offer, it, too, features a molded hinge-plate, double-scroll handle and molded circular foot, but it is of tulip, rather than baluster, form.

For more information on Myers see David L. Barquist, Myer Myers: Jewish Silversmith in Colonial New York (2001), exhibition catalog for the Yale University Art Gallery's exhibition on Myers.

Evidence of erasure to neck under rim. Minor spots of pitting to surface. 3/4 inch line dent to side. Possible alteration at juncture of hinge and handle. Pin securing lid to handle is later.Â