Silver Tankard c. 1936

This silver tankard was drawn by Clayton Braun, sometime between 1855 and 1995. The drawing captures the gleaming, reflective quality of the metal, and the form of the tankard itself speaks to a long history of metalworking. Tankards like this would have been made by highly skilled silversmiths. The process would involve shaping the silver, often through hammering, then adding details like the handle and lid with techniques such as soldering and chasing. Silver, as a precious material, has always been associated with wealth and status. The creation of a tankard like this isn't just about function; it's about displaying affluence and taste. Consider the labor involved in crafting such an object. Silversmithing was a specialized trade, and the creation of this tankard reflects a hierarchical society where skilled artisans produced luxury goods for a wealthy elite. This drawing reminds us that even seemingly simple objects carry complex social and economic histories within their form and material.