Milk Pot 1835 - 1840

This silver milk pot was crafted by William Forbes in the United States, during the mid-19th century. Its elegant, faceted form and delicate engraving speak to the refined tastes of the emerging American upper class. In this period, the ritual of tea and coffee drinking became increasingly important as markers of social status. Silverware like this milk pot played a central role in these rituals, signaling wealth and cultural sophistication. Note the engraved initials, likely belonging to the family who originally owned the piece. Such personalized touches were common, reinforcing the object's connection to a specific social circle. The pot’s design also reflects the influence of European styles, which were highly valued in American society at the time. By studying objects like this milk pot, alongside period documents, we can learn a great deal about the social values and aspirations of 19th-century America.