Cann 1737 - 1750

This is a silver cann, or tankard, made by Thomas Skinner in London sometime in the mid-18th century. It reflects the rise of a wealthy merchant class in England and their desire to emulate the aristocracy through luxury goods. The canns's simple, elegant form speaks to the values of the Georgian era, emphasizing order, balance, and restraint. The engraving of a coat of arms or initials on the side signifies ownership and status and points to the role of institutions, like the family, in shaping social identity. Looking at objects like this cann, we can ask questions about the conditions of its production. Who had access to silver? Who benefited from the craftsmanship? How did trade and colonialism enable the creation of such luxury items? Researching probate records, guild records, and trade histories can all help us understand the social and economic context of this object, revealing the complex networks of power and exchange that shaped its creation.