Tankard c. 1785

This tankard was crafted in Boston by silversmith Benjamin Burt, likely in the late 18th century. Objects like these are often viewed as purely decorative, but they tell us a lot about the social and economic life of the American colonies. Consider the material: silver. In colonial society, owning silver objects was a sign of wealth and status. The tankard form itself, a lidded drinking vessel, speaks to the importance of communal drinking in colonial life. Taverns and homes were spaces for political discussion, business deals, and social gatherings. It’s likely that this tankard would have been present at such events. To understand this object fully, we might turn to probate records, merchant ledgers, and other documents that reveal the circulation of silver and the social rituals surrounding its use. Everyday objects like this offer rich insights into the values and practices of a bygone era.