Plate 1804 - 1870

This plate was made in the United States by Thomas Danforth Boardman, most likely in the early 19th century, from pewter. Pewter is an alloy, traditionally of tin with lead added for hardness, and sometimes small amounts of copper or antimony. This material choice would have made the plate relatively affordable, allowing more people to own tableware that looked like silver. Crafting with pewter involves casting the molten alloy into molds, followed by turning on a lathe to refine the shape, and burnishing to achieve a lustrous finish. The concentric lines on the plate suggest that it was shaped this way. The simplicity of the design reflects a practicality of use. Boardman was part of a family of pewterers. Pewter-smithing was a trade accessible to many aspiring artisans, even those without extensive capital. By understanding the material, its making and its context, we can better appreciate the value in an everyday object like this plate.