Tankard 1700 - 1730

This silver tankard, crafted by Benjamin Wynkoop, presents us with a fascinating tableau of symbols rendered in shining metal. Observe the engraved ship encircled by laurel leaves—a maritime vessel, a symbol of commerce and adventure, emerging from a wreath denoting triumph and honor. The ship motif carries echoes of ancient seafaring cultures, the vessel becoming a metaphor for life’s journey, fraught with peril yet promising discovery. Consider the Egyptians, who buried ships with pharaohs to ensure safe passage to the afterlife. Here, the ship enclosed in laurel recalls Roman emperors depicted with laurel wreaths, symbols of victory, signaling power and divine approval. The subconscious mind seizes on these recurring images; they become powerful cultural shorthand. This continuity demonstrates the enduring human impulse to navigate the unknown, whether on tumultuous seas or through the uncharted waters of existence. Through this image, we are reminded of the timeless human drama of exploration and triumph.