Pair of Sauceboats c. 1830

These silver sauceboats were crafted by Thomas Fletcher in the 19th century, a period when decorative arts reflected social status and aspirations. Fletcher was one of America’s leading silversmiths during the rise of industrialization, which allowed luxury items to be produced more efficiently, though not necessarily more equitably. These sauceboats embody the complexities of early American identity. Silver, as a material, carries a history of colonial extraction and wealth accumulation. Owning such pieces indicated not only taste but also economic power. The artistry and craftsmanship involved also speaks to the contributions of skilled laborers, some of whom would have been enslaved or indentured. The sauceboats, while seemingly simple, offer a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of class, labor, and the cultural values of the time. Their beauty invites us to reflect on the stories and inequalities embedded within objects of everyday use.