Tankard 1730 - 1750

This tankard was made by Philip Syng Junior, an American silversmith, though we don't know exactly when. A vessel such as this invites us to consider the social rituals of early America, particularly the role of taverns and private homes in solidifying social bonds and conducting political discourse. The tankard’s very design speaks to a specific cultural moment. Silver, a valuable commodity, signifies the owner's wealth and status in a society still defining itself against European standards of aristocracy and luxury. The initials engraved suggest personal ownership and perhaps familial legacy, important in the context of early American family life. Studying probate records, merchant account books, and even early newspapers can reveal the significance of objects like these in shaping social relations. As historians, we see objects like this tankard as more than just decorative pieces. They're artifacts loaded with social meaning, offering insight into the values, aspirations, and power dynamics of the past.