Tankard 1700 - 1720

This silver tankard was made by Cornelius Kierstede, a New York silversmith active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. In early America, objects like this tankard weren't just functional; they were potent symbols of status and wealth. Silver, being a precious material, signaled the owner’s economic standing in the community. New York during Kierstede's time was a bustling hub of trade and immigration, a melting pot of cultures and aspirations. The tankard, with its refined design, speaks to the emerging mercantile class, keen to emulate European tastes and display their affluence. Looking closely, you'll notice the subtle engravings and the overall craftsmanship. These details reflect not only the skill of the artisan but also the values of a society that prized both utility and beauty. Examining inventories, wills, and other historical documents from the period helps us understand the significance these objects held in the lives of early Americans.