Pitcher

1816

Place madePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North America

Silver

Overall: 15 1/4 × 7 1/8 × 9 3/8 in., 80 oz (troy) 0.5 dwt (38.7 × 18.1 × 23.8 cm, 2489 g)

The Eugene H. Pool Collection of Captain James Lawrence, Gift of Dr. Eugene H. Pool

1942.544c

The War of 1812 produced a string of naval victories by the U.S. over the British Royal Navy. Especially spectacular was Captain James Lawrence's defeat of the British brig "Peacock" in less than 15 minutes. He was presented this pitcher in Philadelphia. He soon returned to sea duty commanding the "Chesapeake." On June 1, 1813, Lawrence lost his ship in minutes. Mortally wounded, he commanded, "Don't give up the ship," as the enemy boarded. He died 3 days later and was buried with by his captors

DescriptionWrought and cast silver presentation pitcher; urn-shaped body has repoussé and chased fluting around the base with acanthus leaves and darts above; winged cherub holding a torch and laurel weath in a rectangle between foliate scrolls with anthemions applied to the center of the pitcher; beaded band applied around the shoulder; incurved neck flares to short and broad pouring-lip, which is scrolled and low at the sides and rises to a point in the back; band applied around the rim; chased foliate decoration along scrolled lip; cast, bearded Neptune mask applied to front of neck; cast, scrolled handle has acanthus and bird's head grip, applied at back of the pitcher; body seated on a foliate pedestal and splayed circular foot with foliate and beaded bands around edges applied to circular base; maker's hallmarks stamped on the base.

MarkingsMark: stamped on the base three times in relief at underside, "CHAUDRON" in serpentine banner surround

InscribedEngraving: Pitcher has repousse chased, and matted (or possibly stamped) border of alternating acanthus leaves and arrows located along bottom half of body; and repousse and chased gadrooning along pitcher bottom. Inset shoulder of pitcher has repousse, chased and engraved bellflower strings located along either side of handle/shoulder joint.

ClassificationsSILVER