Beaker

Art Historical Context

This delicate silver beaker, crafted by York silversmith Thomasnde around 1775, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of colonial America on the eve of the Revolutionary. Standing just 215/16 inches (7.5 cm) tall and weighing a modest 3 ounces (.2 g), its gently flared lip (2 15/16 inches in diameter) and sturdy base (2 7/16 inches) make it perfectly suited for sipping hot toddies or punch—staples of 18th-century social lifeSilverware like this was a mark of prosperity in early American households and taverns, often passed down through generations as heirlooms. Lynde's work reflects the transatlantic influences of English and Dutch silversmithing traditions adapted by colonial artisans, showcasing precision in forming and seaming thin silver sheets into functional yet elegant forms. Bequeathed to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1933 by Alphonso T. Clearwater, it now graces The American Wing, offering a tangible glimpse into the daily elegance of Revolutionary-era life.