Pewter Tankard with S-Scroll Handle
Decorative art, Metalwork (Hollowware) • Unknown maker; likely British or American regional workshop. Often produced by firms like Sheffield (UK) or Boardman (US).
Style & Movement
Traditional/Vernacular Metalwork (Neo-Georgian or Colonial Revival style)
Medium & Technique
Pewter (alloy of tin, copper, and antimony). Techinque includes mold-casting, lathing (turning), and soldering of the handle.
Creation Period
Late 19th to Mid-20th Century (approx. 1880–1950)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 5 to 7 inches in height; vertical cylindrical format.
Subject Description
A utilitarian drinking vessel featuring a slightly tapered cylindrical body with raised horizontal banding (reeding) for structural reinforcement and decoration. It includes a double-C or S-scroll handle with a thumb rest.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Shows significant surface oxidation, scratches, and a dull/mottled patina consistent with age and use.
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $120 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $70 USD
Provenance History
Unknown. Base shows faint remnants of a maker's mark or touchmark, though it is largely illegible due to wear and surface residue.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the transition of pewter from a primary household material to a decorative and commemorative craft. While common, these vessels reflect the endurance of 18th-century design forms into the modern industrial era.
Notable Features
Features distinct horizontal reed molding on the body which is a hallmark of classic tavern-ware designs. The bottom shows circular lathing marks typical of hand-finished industrial production.
Condition Issues
Heavy surface scratching on the underside; dulling of the original luster; minor pitting; residue/accretion on the base that obscures the touchmark.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with a non-abrasive pewter wash; avoid harsh chemical polishes that strip the historical patina; store in a stable, low-humidity environment to prevent 'tin pest' or corrosion.