Tureen

1813-1816

Place madePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North America

Silver

Overall: 16 1/2 × 15 1/2 × 9 in. (41.9 × 39.4 × 22.9 cm)
Part (body): 165 oz (troy) 16.7 dwt (5158 g)
Part (lid): 25 oz (troy) 5.4 dwt (786 g)

Bequest of Frank C. Jones, Sr.

1952.103ab

Early in the War of 1812, Captain Jacob Jones (1768-1850) achieved national recognition for capturing the well-armed HMS Frolic as he commanded the sloop USS Wasp. Throughout the war, Jones was feted by state and local groups as a national hero. This ornate tureen was among the many demonstrations of gratitude presented to him for the Wasp's decisive victory. The citizens of Philadelphia commissioned the impressive tureen from a leading silver manufacturer, French émigré Simon Chaudron. Chaudron incorporated key symbols into its decorative scheme that were becoming part of an American presentation vocabulary. Referring directly to Jones's victory is the prominent finial of the armed Athena, robust Neptune masks on the feet and handle terminals, shell pendants, and a medallion with a triumphant cherub riding a sea serpent. The tureen is a rare example of American silver with markings that identify its designer, engraver, and silversmith.

DescriptionWrought and cast silver presentation urn; deep, oval bowl with a beaded band applied below the concave shoulder; egg and dart band applied around the rim with bezel; acanthus leaves applied around the lower body and cast medallions with cherubim riding dophins with laurel wreaths and foliate darts on each of the medallions applied to both sides; seated on an oval pedestal with swag decoration and a splayed oval foot with a foliate band around the edge; foot applied to a chamfered rectangular base with an applied beaded and foliate band and four scrolled legs with cast bearded and horned masks at the knees; ogee aprons with shell decoration and swags between the legs, front apron with the chased inscription, "THE CITIZENS OF PHILADELPHIA/ TO CAPTAIN/ JACOB JONES" in roman letters, left apron engraved, "WASP/ 18 Guns __Captn. Jones/ Killed __5./ Wounded __5." in roman letters, right apron engraved, "FROLIC/ 22 Guns__Captn. Whinyates/ Killed __30./ Wounded __45." in roman letters, reverse apron engraved, "Presented by the Citizens of Philadelphia to Captn. Jacob Jones,/ of the U.S. Sloop of War WASP, in testimony of their appreciation/ and admiration of his Skill & gallantry in Capturing, on the 18th October 1812, the British Brig of War FROLIC after a close Action of 13 Minutes." in script; two loop handles with acanthus grips and bearded Neptune's head joints; oval lid the raised to a flat dome with repoussé chased acanthus decoration around the dome and surmounted by a seated goddess of war in a draped toga, helmet, holding a shield and a laurel wreath to the victor; no maker's marks.

MarkingsMark stamped under lid: "CHAUDRON" and "STER*AMERI*MAN*" both within flowing banners. Each foot and swag is scratched with the Roman numerals I through IV. Engraved information relating to tureen manufacture detailed in script at underside of base: "Designed by Belin / Directed by Chaudron / writing by Kneaf[s]s / Philadelphia, [sic]"

InscribedInscription cast on the front apron: "THE CITIZENS OF PHILADELPHIA/ TO CAPTAIN/ JACOB JONES" in roman letters Inscription engraved on the left apron: "WASP/ 18 Guns __Captn. Jones/ Killed __5./ Wounded __5." in roman letters Inscription engraved on right side of apron: "FROLIC/ 22 Guns__Captn. Whinyates/ Killed __30./ Wounded __45." in roman letters Inscription engraved on apron reverse: "Presented by the Citizens of Philadelphia to Captn. Jacob Jones,/ of the U.S. Sloop of War WASP, in testimony of their appreciation/ and admiration of his Skill & gallantry in Capturing, on the 18th October 1812, the British Brig of War FROLIC after a close Action of 13 Minutes." in script

ClassificationsSILVER