Cann 1750 - 1760

This is a silver cann, or drinking mug, made by John Coverly, a silversmith active in colonial Boston during the 18th century. During this period, objects like this cann reflected the complex social and economic landscape of the colonies. The artistry and material value of silver were markers of status, demonstrating the wealth and aspirations of its owner. Given Coverly's position as an artisan, the cann embodies both the skilled labor of its maker and the desires of a society grappling with its identity. Consider how the cann might have been used: perhaps as a symbol of hospitality, or to solidify social bonds. It offers a glimpse into the rituals of daily life, where even simple objects were laden with meaning. It serves as a quiet reminder of a society on the cusp of revolution, where the pursuit of refinement was intertwined with the struggle for independence.