Basin 1712 - 1754

This basin was made by Joseph Leddel Senior, a silversmith active in New York during the first half of the 18th century. A seemingly simple object, it embodies the complex social and economic conditions of colonial America. This basin is made of pewter, an alloy of tin and lead that was more affordable than silver, reflecting the growing merchant class in New York. Leddel's work reveals the increasing sophistication of American craftsmanship, and the social structures in which the object would have been used. Its presence in a museum collection today also speaks to how everyday objects take on new cultural meanings over time. Understanding this basin requires us to delve into the history of trade, craft guilds, and the material culture of early America. Through probate inventories, merchant records, and other historical documents, we can understand the role of objects like this basin in shaping social life.