Sugar Bowl 1742 - 1798

This sugar bowl was crafted by William Will in the 18th century, using pewter. Pewter, an alloy of tin with small amounts of other metals, was a common material for dishware in colonial America. Its appeal lay in its affordability, especially compared to silver. Pewter objects were typically cast in molds, and then finished by hand. You can see the marks of this process in the subtle variations of the surface. The bowl’s smooth, cool grey surface is characteristic of the material. The making of this sugar bowl wasn't just about function; it also reflected social status and taste. While not as valuable as silver, a pewter sugar bowl like this would have been a prized possession, displayed as a symbol of the owner's refinement. It testifies to the growing consumer culture of the 1700s, and the way that even everyday objects could carry social meaning. So next time you see pewter, remember that it's more than just a metal, it is a window into the lives and values of people in the past.