Tankard 1735 - 1745

This silver Tankard was crafted by Thomas Milner or Miller, active in London during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, a period marked by significant social stratification. Pieces like this tankard highlight the cultural dimensions of class and gender. Silverware in this era signified wealth and status, reflecting the socio-economic hierarchies of British society. The tankard, a vessel often used in male-dominated spaces such as taverns and clubs, offers a glimpse into the gendered rituals of socializing. The weight and feel of this object speaks to the tactile experience of luxury, meant to impress and assert social standing. While seemingly a functional object, it embodies the complex interplay between utility, social identity, and artistic expression of the period. It is a potent reminder of how everyday objects carry the weight of historical narratives.