Dish 1761 - 1781

This dish was made by Frederick Bassett, a prominent figure in the American colonies, sometime between 1740 and 1800. It is crafted from pewter, a utilitarian metal that evokes a sense of colonial life in America. Dishes like this, though seemingly mundane, were central to the social rituals of the period. Pewter, while less precious than silver, was still a mark of some status. The rise of a merchant class created a new market for such goods. This burgeoning market helped fuel the economic engine of the colonies, even as they moved towards revolution. This simple dish then speaks to complex issues of class, trade, and social aspiration. Understanding the role of objects like this requires us to look beyond the art museum. Probate records, merchant inventories, and social histories help us interpret this object and the life it once had.