Lewis Cary
Pitcher

MakerAmerican, 1798–1834
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Pitcher
Datec. 1827
Made inBoston, Massachusetts, United States
MediumSilver
Dimensions12 1/2 × 10 1/2 × 7 in. (31.8 × 26.7 × 17.8 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of William J. Hill in honor of Marilyn Oshman
Object numberB.2000.21
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Metals Study Room
On view

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Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
DescriptionThis pitcher was given as a presentation to an officer upon his resignation from a Boston militia regiment, the New England Guards, in 1827. The law prescribed militia service for all able-bodied white men in a specific age range, but only those of means could afford to equip themselves with elaborate uniforms or give substantial silver presentations to their officers.
ProvenanceWilliam J. Hill (1934–2018), Houston; given to MFAH, 2000.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Inscribed on underside: Unanimously/Elected Lieutenant May 6th 1823./Captain May 3. 1825./Resigned October 24th 1827./Boston, October 24th 1827./Boston, October 24th 1827./Voted,/That William H. Gardiner Esqr./be an honorary Member of the/New England Guards,/Ben Smith Lien...[illegible script] O.S.
Inscribed on front of body: New England Guards TO William H. Gardiner Esqr.
Stamped in rectangle on neck: CARY
Two labels on the underside: barcode and 03170076; 18 JUN 98 Sale 8894 Lot 34

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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