Covered Sugar Bowl 1732 - 1802

This Covered Sugar Bowl was made by Henry Will in the 18th century, almost certainly using pewter. Pewter, a metal alloy primarily made of tin, was a popular material in colonial America for tableware and household objects. It was more affordable than silver, yet still offered a sense of quality. The bowl’s soft sheen and weighty feel speak to these qualities. Consider how it was made: pewter objects like this one were typically cast in molds and then finished by hand, using tools to smooth surfaces, refine details, and create decorative elements like the beaded bands around the bowl. All this took time and skill. While not as valuable as precious metals, pewter still signified a level of social standing. This sugar bowl is not just a functional object, it's also a reminder of the intricate relationship between craft, commerce, and social status in early America.