An Early Scarce Thomas D. Boardman Old English Handle Porringer - SOLD

This Old English Handle porringer is one of the earliest examples of porringers from the shop of Thomas D. Boardman. Boardman was apprenticed to his uncle Edward in Hartford beginning in 1796 until Edward went out of business at which time he finished his apprenticeship with his uncle Samuel. Thomas went into business on his own in July of 1804. This porringer would date from 1804-20.

Of great interest is the fact that this porringer was made in the molds used by Frederick Bassett, who had moved to Hartford during the Revolution and it appears he left a number of molds behind including this one. This Old English Handle is quite broad and bold typical of New York handles. Also, the touch on this piece is likely the earliest of Boardman’s touch marks. The waisted beaded oval with eagle touch is strikingly similar to the waisted beaded oval lion touch used by his uncle Edward. In fact, it would not surprise me if both dies were cut by the same die cutter.

This porringer has a 5” bowl is in fine condition with a fine “as struck” touch. We personally have only seen 2 porringers from the Bassett mold with this touch. A scarce porringer