Mug 1761 - 1793

This mug was made by Henry Will, a New York based pewterer, sometime in the late 18th century. Pewter is an alloy of tin with a small amount of other metals added for strength. During the 1700s, it was a common material for tableware. The appeal of pewter was that it looked a bit like silver, but was much more affordable. The downside? It tarnished easily and could be damaged by acidic foods. To make a mug like this, Will would have melted the pewter, then cast it in a mold. After the metal had cooled, he’d have burnished it to a soft sheen. Notice the refined details like the beaded bands at the top and base, and the elegant handle. This mug speaks volumes about the material culture of early America, where people sought affordable versions of luxury goods. It blurs the lines between practicality, aspiration, and skillful making.