A Boston "Moon Face Terminal" Strap Handle Mug - SOLD

The Boston Strap Handle mug is a form “unique” to New England. This “Moon Face Terminal” handled example is an “iconic” piece of American Pewter and certainly one of the most desirable mugs of all.

The person who created the molds for the handle designed them in such a way as to allow for the terminal design to be changed. Examples with a “star burst” terminal are found as well. The rest of the handle is identical having been cast in the same mold.

The handles on these are “burnt on” or cast in place in the same manner as porringer handles. This results in linen marks at the upper and lower junctions of the handle attachment. The original linen marks on this example are quite clear.

Owner’s initial “HT” are stamped on the top of the thumbrest of the handle. The plain sided body is typical of mugs produced from these mold.

The mug measures 4 ½” tall to the lip. The mug is in near fine condition with some pitting on the inside bottom. This mug would be an excellent addition to any serious collector of 18th century Boston pewter.

Examples of marked Boston Strap handle mugs are known by Robert Bonynge, Nathaniel Austin, The Greens, and others. It is felt that these may be the work of Bonynge and would date from the 1760’s.