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Tankard

1788
Made by Joseph Anthony, Jr. (American, 1762–1814) Made for Charles Jarvis (American, 1731–1806)
Joseph Anthony, Jr., arrived in Philadelphia from Newport, Rhode Island, in 1782. Despite his forays into the sale of utilitarian items-novelty jewelry, buttons, books, shaving cases, and utensils-the young silversmith nonetheless received prestigious commissions from George Washington and William Penn's grandsons, John Penn, Esq., and John Penn, Jr. As the elaborate engraving expresses, the Penns sought to award their attorneys for loyal service and commissioned two tankards from Anthony-one for Gunning Bedford and this one for Charles Jarvis. The barrel or hooped design is typically rendered in a pint size, suggesting this tankard's purpose as a presentation piece.

Object Details

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