Porringer 1801 - 1856

This silver porringer, crafted by American silversmith Samuel Ely Hamlin between 1801 and 1856, is a fine example of early American silversmithing. The porringer's simple, rounded form is accentuated by a decorative, pierced handle in the shape of a stylized flower. Such porringers were commonly used for serving food, particularly to children, during the 18th and 19th centuries. This piece, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stands as a testament to the skill and artistry of American silversmiths during this period.