Mug 1761 - 1793

This mug was made by Henry Will, a pewterer working in New York in the late 18th century. It is a simple, functional object, but it also tells us a lot about the social and economic life of the time. Pewter was a common material for household goods in colonial America. It was less expensive than silver, but more durable than pottery. Pewter objects like this mug were used in taverns and homes, and were often passed down through families. The design of the mug is also significant. Its simple, undecorated form reflects the values of practicality and utility that were important in colonial society. The handle is ornamented with a geometric pattern that shows the owner's aesthetic sensibilities. Understanding these details is the work of the social historian. By studying objects like this mug, and by consulting period documents such as inventories and wills, we can learn a great deal about the daily lives of ordinary people in the past.