An Unusual Basin Bowl Porringer Attributable to the Richard Lee's of Springfield, Vermont - SOLD

An unmarked Basin Bowl porringer with unique cast handle, attributed to the Richard Lee’s of Springfield Vermont. There are a number of small basin bowl porringers employing a bowl cast in molds belonging to the
Lee’s with ornate cast handles (ears) with ornate raised cast decorations. Scholars have long believed the molds for casting these unusual handles were made from soapstone.

In Perkinsville, VT, just north of Springfield Vermont, there are active soapstone quarries, although they officially opened in the 1850’s it is likely locals knew of this source. In Historic Deerfield they have some molds and the touchmark dies of Samuel Pierce. Amongst the molds is a soapstone mold for casting the base of a beaker. Beakers with bases from this mold are known by Pierce.

This 5 3/8” basin bowl porringer has a unique high relief cast handle. The linen mark is very strong. It is likely the mold used was shaped from soapstone. The back of the handle shows markings that would be consistent with how a soapstone mold would be scraped finished.

This porringer is in near fine condition. Attributable to either Richard Lee Sr. or Jr. and very likely from when they were in Springfield, VT. A most unusual and attractive form.