Tankard

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver tankard, crafted by New York silversmith Thomasersley around 1763, exemplifies the colonial American craftsmanship during the pre-Revolutionary era. at 7½ inches tall with a substantial 40-ounce weight, it features a flared lip (4¾ inches in diameter) and sturdy base (5⅞ inches), designed for hearty toasts with ale or beer. Hamersley's work reflects the Queen Anne style popular in British-American silver, characterized by its graceful proportions and functional beauty. Tankards like this were prized possessions of the colonial elite, symbolizing wealth and hospitality. The engraved coat of arms—likely a family crest—adds a layer of personal heraldry, commissioning it for a prominent household and underscoring social status in a burgeoning American society. Silver's luster and durability made it a medium of prestige, often passed down through generations as heirlooms. Now housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, this tankard was generously gifted in 1898 by Mrs. Isaac Gibson Jaffray in memory of her husband. It invites visitors to ponder the refined tastes and skilled artistry of 18th-century America, bridging everyday rituals with enduring legacy.