Cream Pot 1755 - 1776

This cream pot was made by Myer Myers, a silversmith working in colonial America in the 18th century. Myers's story highlights the complexities of identity and commerce in this period. As a Jewish immigrant, Myers navigated a society with its own power structures and cultural expectations. His success as a silversmith reflects the growing economy of the colonies and the demand for luxury goods among the elite. The design of this cream pot, with its delicate handle and shell-shaped feet, is a testament to the influence of European styles on colonial craftsmanship, indicating its original owner was participating in a culture of refinement. We can explore census records, period newspapers, and merchant's account books to learn more about how the pot was used, who its owner was, and the dynamics of colonial society. Objects like this cream pot are invaluable sources of information for understanding the social and economic life of early America.