Southern Pewter is very scarce particularly as a result of a substantial portion of it having been melted down in the War Between the States. As a result of this scarcity it is truly a treasure when a piece of this caliber comes to the surface.
This quart mug is by Samuel Kilbourn of Baltimore working from 1814-1839. Samuel was an apprentice to Thomas Danforth III in his Rocky Hill location. He was reported to have lived in Hartford until he moved to Baltimore in 1813.
To say this mug is in spectacular condition is an understatement. The exterior and interior surfaces of the body still retain all of the pewterer’s lathe marks. The inside bottom shows waves from the base wavering on the lathe as that part was turned. The underside of the base shows pronounced lathe turning marks as well.
The handle which unlike many handles on Kilbourn mugs is proportionately designed to fit the body. Many Kilbourn mugs have handles that seem small in comparison to the size of the body. The mold for the handle must have been fairly crude as the casting has waves and bumps on the surface. The handle is scrape finished.
The mark is mint “as struck” on the inside bottom which was an 18th century characteristic. There are owner’s initials BD struck in the center of the touch and three times along the rim of the body.
I don’t believe there is another Quart Kilbourn mug known to collectors in this condition.
Price: $2850
If you are interested in buying this item, please call (860) 267-2146 or email hiltpewter@gmail.com
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