Plate 1776 - 1793

This pewter plate was crafted by David Melville, an American artisan active in the late 18th century. Born in Newport, Rhode Island, Melville belonged to a generation deeply shaped by the burgeoning ideals of independence and self-governance that would define the early American identity. In the context of early America, the creation and ownership of pewter objects like this plate spoke volumes about social status and economic standing. Unlike the elite who could afford imported silver and ceramics, the rising middle class embraced pewter for its affordability and durability. Consider the hands that might have used this plate, the food it held, and the conversations that unfolded around it. Each scratch and mark tells a story of everyday life. The simplicity of the plate stands in stark contrast to the complex social dynamics of the time, marked by emerging class distinctions. This unassuming object offers us an intimate glimpse into the lives of those forging a new nation, one meal at a time.